Sampling Methods Flashcards
Random Sampling?
Each participant has an equal opportunity to be selected.
Strength of random sampling?
It is more representative of the target population and eliminates sampling bias as everyone has an equal chance of being selected.
Weakness of random sampling?
It can be very time consuming as a list of all the population needs to be made and then draw out the number needed for the sample.
Systematic Sampling?
A ‘system’ is applied to select participants.
Strength of systematic sampling?
It should provide a representative sample as long as the list of participants was done in a randomised way.
Weakness of systematic sampling?
If the list has been done in any other way, bias may be present.
Stratified Sampling?
The make-up of the sample is representative to the proportions of certain subgroups in the target population.
Strength of stratified sampling?
It is more representative as the subcategories equally represent the sample.
Weakness of stratified sampling?
It is time consuming as the subcategories must be identified and the proportions calculated.
Opportunity Sampling?
Being somewhere at a certain moment in time and asking people to participate in research.
Strength of opportunity sampling?
It is quick and easy as it involves selecting who is readily available.
Weakness of opportunity sampling?
It is unrepresentative and there may be a biased sample, as participants tend to have similar characteristics if recruited in the same place.
Volunteer Sampling?
Participants volunteer themselves to take part.
Strength of volunteer sampling?
Participants are more likely to engage as they have volunteered to take part.
Weakness of volunteer sampling?
It is unrepresentative and may be a biased sample as people with similar characteristics may volunteer.
