sampling methods Flashcards
what is a target population
all members of a group that we have interest in
what does being precise allow us to do
allows us to replicate
allows us to categorise literature
why is sampling important
samples are used to make generalisations about populations
what is sampling bias
an over or under representation of one particular category or group in a sample
what is random sampling
every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected
what is stratified sampling
pre-defined groups in a population are randomly selected in proportion to sample size
why are stratified samples useful
when samples are too small, they allow for accurate representation
what is quota sampling
a stratified sample but selection is left up to the researcher
what is the main limitation of quota sampling
people chosen by the researcher leads to a biased sample
what is cluster sampling
naturally occurring groups or clusters containing people in target populations
what is a limitation of cluster sampling
sample is biased by the characterisitcs of a particular cluster
what is a self-selecting sample
participants selected by their own actions
what is opportunity sampling
people who are asked to take part because they happened to be there at the time
what is a snowball sample
where partiicpants contact other participants for the researcher
what are the strengths of having a large sample size
more representative
less likely to be biased by chance
easier to find significant results
