Sampling Methods Flashcards
Random Sampling
All members of the target population have an equal chance of being picked
Random Sampling (strengths)
No researcher bias
Random Sampling (weaknesses)
Time consuming
May have an unrepresentative sample
Those selected my refuse to take part
Systematic Sampling
Every ‘nth’ person is selected
Systematic Sampling (strengths)
No researcher bias
Usually representative
Systematic Sampling (weaknesses)
Time consuming
Stratified Sampling
The sample is representative of the people in the sub-groups (proportional)
Stratified Sampling (strengths)
No researcher bias
Representative so generalisation is possible
Stratified Sampling (weaknesses)
Stratification is not perfect (complete representation is not possible)
Opportunity Sampling
Researcher selects anyone who appears to be willing and available at the time
Opportunity Sampling (strengths)
Easy
Saves time and money
Opportunity Sampling (weaknesses)
Unrepresentative and cannot be generalised
Researcher bias
Volunteer Sampling
Participants volunteer themselves to take part
Volunteer Sampling (strengths)
Easy as participants come to you
Volunteer Sampling (weaknesses)
Volunteer bias
Not representative
