Sampling Methods Flashcards
Opportunity Sampling
The researcher selects the most convenient people for the study.
Random Sampling
Every member of the target population must have an equal chance of being chosen. Has to be clear and finite target population.
Self-Selecting Sampling
People will Volunteer to take part in the research.
Snowball Sampling
The researcher selects one person for the study and they then ask if they know anyone who is willing to take part within the target population. This process then continues.
Strength of opportunity sampling
Easiest method because you use participants that you have available. Takes less time to find your sample.
Weakness of opportunity sampling
Likely to produce a biased sample as only certain types of people will be selected from limited areas. Therefore it is not representative of the target popultion.
Strength of random sampling
Least biased method as all members of the target population have an equal chance of being chosen.
Weakness of random sampling
Time consuming, especially with large target populations. Representative sample is not guaranteed.
Strength of self-selecting sampling
Gives wide range of access to potential participants. Ethical as it leads to informed consent.
Weakness of self-selecting sampling
Unrepresentative as it leads to a biased sample. This is because people tend not to respond to adverts unless they have a strong interest in them. More likely to respond with demand characteristics.
Strength of snowball sampling
Possible to include members of group where no lists of clusters even exist. Eg drug abusers n criminals and people who may not be easy to access.
Weakness of snowball sampling
Biased because the sample is drawn from a small part of the target population.
What is the target population ?
Entire audience a piece of research is aimed at. Smile comes from this.
What is the sample ?
Group of participants in an experiment that represent the entire target population.
