Sampling methods

Question 1

What are target populations

Answer 1

the population intended to be studied. Generalised to this population

Question 2

What are sampling frames

Answer 2

Individuals from target population who can be selected as part of the sample. Should represent the target population

Question 3

Opportunity sampling

Answer 3

When researchers get hold if the first people conveniently available to them from the sampling frame to do the research

Question 4

+ of Opportunity sampling

Answer 4

Quick and easy to obtain a sample

Question 5

• of Opportunity sampling

Answer 5

Not fair since not everyone has equal chance of being selected. Bias is inevitable as sample drawn from a small part of target population

Question 6

Random sample

Answer 6

Fairest method as all members have equal chance of being selected. E.g. pulling out random names

Question 7

+ of Random sample

Answer 7

Fair since everyone has equal chance of being selected, so unbiased

Question 8

• of Random sample

Answer 8

Possible for a number of people who are chosen to refuse to be part of research

Question 9

Stratified sample

Answer 9

Choosing groups that need to be represented, to give a fair cross-section of the population then using random sampling within the group. E.g. split school into registration classes and randomly sample 5 from each class

Question 10

+ of Stratified sample

Answer 10

Ensure that it’s possible to get participants that represent all parts of the population so it’s more representative than chance sampling

Question 11

• of Stratified sample

Answer 11

Many of the participants may decide they don’t want to participate

Question 12

Quota sample

Answer 12

After choosing groups that need to be represented, the researchers choose the individuals who would be most likely to inhibit characteristics of group

Question 13

+ of Quota sample

Answer 13

Ensure the sample accurately represents all parts of the population, as subgroups are equally represented

Question 14

• of Quota sample

Answer 14

The biases of the researcher would affect sample

Question 15

Self selected sample (volunteer)

Answer 15

Researchers advertise to ask participants to take part

Question 16

+ of Self selected sample (volunteer)

Answer 16

Everyone willing to take part in research because they know the aim of research in advance

Question 17

• of Self selected sample (volunteer)

Answer 17

Only 1 particular type of person is willing to volunteer therefore results of experiment wouldn’t be true for entire population. Sample therefore biased

Question 18

Systematic sample

Answer 18

Obtain sample representative of entire population: not random. E.g. select every 10th individual on the register

Question 19

+ of Systematic sample

Answer 19

Ensure that it’s possible to get participants to represent all parts of the population. Unbiased, due to objective system used to select participants

Question 20

• of Systematic sample

Answer 20

Not a random sample, so greater probability that some will be selected rather than others

Question 21

Snowball sampling

Answer 21

Psychologists find participants then ask these participants to find more people willing to take part in sample

Question 22

+ of Snowball sampling

Answer 22

Possible to obtain specialist sample where it would be very difficult using other method

Question 23

• of Snowball sampling

Answer 23

Sample all very similar and may know each other, so don’t fully represent the target population

Question 24

What are observational sampling techniques

Answer 24

Researcher will record the behaviour/events he observes to ensure there is no observer bias. E.g. sample event and time sampling

Question 25

Sample event

Answer 25

An observational sampling technique, where psychologist who wants to record a specific behaviour will observe participants. Behaviour recorded each time it occurs to create a total score

Question 26

+ of Sample event

Answer 26

Every event that is relebant is recorded

Question 27

• of Sample event

Answer 27

All other events/behaviours ignored

Question 28

Time sampling

Answer 28

Observational sampling technique where psychologists will record the behaviour/events they see at specific times. E.g. every 10 minutes

Question 29

+ of Time sampling

Answer 29

Less likely to show researcher bias since all behaviour at specific times is measures

Question 30

• of Time sampling

Answer 30

Can miss lots of important events as it ignores times where it doesn’t measure