Sampling Flashcards
Define random sampling
Every number of the target population has an equal chance of being selected to take part
Give an advantage and disadvantage of random sampling
A- this method should produce the least bias sample because it selects a wide range of people as no specific characteristic is being chosen
D- it is very difficult to have access to your entire target population to choose from
Define opportunity sampling
Using the people that are most easily accessible to the investigator
Give an advantage and disadvantage of opportunity sampling
A- the easiest method, investigators don’t have to go to much effort to recruit participants
-its quicker, more cost effective than any other method
D- likely to be bias because the participants might share the same characteristics because they’re in the same place at the same time
Define self-selected/ volunteer sampling
Participants put themselves forward to take part, e.g. Replying to an advert/poster
Give an advantage and disadvantage of self-selected/ volunteer sampling
A- easier than random sampling and can recruit lots of participants quickly
- people are less likely to withdraw
- lower rate of attrition
D- likely to be bias because people who volunteer are likely to share characteristics e.g. Enthusiasm, outgoing
Define snowball sampling
One or a small group of participants are recruited then they recruit other participants
Give an advantage and disadvantage of snowball sampling
A- less effort for the psychologists because the recruitment of participants is largely done by other people
- can provide opportunities to talk to populations who otherwise wouldn’t participate in research
D- likely to be bias because your participants will belong to similar social groups, share interests etc
Sampling behaviour through observation: define time sampling
When you choose an interval of time (every 30seconds) and record whats happening at that moment in each interval
Sampling behaviour through observation: Give an advantage and disadvantage of time sampling
A- easier to record all behaviours seen
D- you could miss behaviours in between intervals
Sampling behaviours through observation: define event sampling
When you observe participants for a continuous amount of time and record every time they do one of the behaviours you’re interested in
Sampling behaviour through observation: Give an advantage and disadvantage of event sampling
A- less likely to miss behaviours
D- harder to record all behaviours seen
