Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Research Methods > *Sampling Methods > Flashcards

*Sampling Methods Flashcards

1
Q

What is a population in research?

A

Group of people

Focus of researchers’ interests, e.g., psychology students.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is random sampling?

A

All members have an equal chance of being selected

Obtain a complete list of all members of the population.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is a sample?

A

Smaller group drawn from population

Should be representative of the population.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the strengths of random sampling?

A
  • Potentially unbiased
  • Confounding/extraneous variables should be divided between groups
  • Increases internal validity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the limitations of random sampling?

A
  • Difficult
  • Time-consuming
  • Complete list of population may be difficult to obtain
  • May not be representative
  • Selected participants may refuse to take part
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is systematic sampling?

A

Sampling frame is created by putting everyone in the population in order

Every nth number is selected, e.g., every 5th student on the register.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the strengths of systematic sampling?

A
  • Objective
  • Research has no influence over who is selected
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the limitations of systematic sampling?

A
  • Time-consuming
  • Selected participants may refuse to take part
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is stratified sampling?

A

Researcher identifies different subgroups (strata)

Sample reflects the proportions of that subgroup.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the strengths of stratified sampling?

A
  • Produces a representative sample
  • Reflects the composition of the population
  • Makes generalisation possible
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the limitations of stratified sampling?

A
  • Cannot reflect all the ways that people are different
  • Complete representation is not possible
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is opportunity sampling?

A

Anyone who is available and willing

Anyone who is around at the time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the strengths of opportunity sampling?

A
  • Convenient
  • Cost-effective
  • No list of population required
  • No need to divide population into subgroups
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the limitations of opportunity sampling?

A
  • Unrepresentative of population
  • Cannot be generalised
  • Researcher has complete control over who is selected
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is volunteer sampling?

A

Participants select themselves

e.g., Advert in the newspaper or on a notice board.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the strengths of volunteer sampling?

A
  • Easy
  • Minimum input from researcher
  • Less time-consuming
  • Participants are more engaged
17
Q

What are the limitations of volunteer sampling?

A
  • Volunteer bias
  • Attracting a certain kind of participant

Research Methods (13 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions