Sampling Methods Flashcards
Define target population.
All members of the group of people the researcher is interested in.
What is a sampling frame?
The list of all the people/ items you will draw your sample from.
What is a sampling method?
How a researcher will select their sample.
Define generalisation.
To be able to apply the findings beyond that particular individuals studied.
What does sample size suggest?
The bigger the size, the more generalisable.
What are some of the factors that may create sampling bias?
Often difficult to recruit participants- they may have to be bribed in some way.
Sometimes coercion is used.
Some subjects will volunteer.
What can contribute to volunteer bias?
Some volunteers may be more highly motivated than others.
What are the 5 types of sampling method?
Stratified. Opportunity. Volunteer/ self selected. Systematic. Random.
What is a stratified sample?
The sample is selected randomly and is made up of subgroups that are in the same proportions as in the target population.
What is an opportunity sample?
Researcher selects whoever happens to be available at the time. This is the most common sampling method.
What is a volunteer/ self selected sample?
Relies on volunteers to make up the sample, so the study/ sample will be advertised for people to see and people will join from the advertisement.
What is a systematic sample?
Select every nth person from the list to create a sample. A sampling frame is used.
What is a random sample?
Each person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected.
What are the limitations of a stratified sample?
Time consuming
Difficult to use compared to alternatives
What are the limitations of an opportunity sample?
There is researcher bias, so not representative.
Cannot be generalised
