Sampling Methods Flashcards
Random Sampling
- each person has an equal chance of being selected e.g. picking names from a hat
Stratified Random Sampling
- sorting the individuals into groups e.g. gender or age before choosing a proportional amount randomly from each group
Volunteer Sampling
- individuals come forward to take part in the research e.g. in response to an advert
Opportunity sampling
- participants who are both accessible and willing to take part are targeted
Snowball Sampling
- where one participant refers the researcher to another potential participant so the sample gradually gets bigger
Advantages & Disadvantages of Random Sampling
Advantages:
- very fair as everyone has equal chance of being picked
- less chance of a bias sample
Disadvantages:
- people may be picked but refuse to take part
- time consuming
Advantages & Disadvantages - Stratified random sampling
Advantages:
- researcher can control the variables
- very representative
Disadvantages:
- more complex and not practical
- very time consuming
Advantages & Disadvantages - Volunteer Sampling
Advantages:
- quick, easy and cheap
- more likely to consent as they have come forward
Disadvantages:
- volunteer bias
- hard to gain access to certain participants e.g. DV
Advantages & Disadvantages - Opportunity Sampling
Advantages:
- no sample frame as dependent on availability of people at a given time
- very quick, easy and convenient
Disadvantages:
- not everyone has an equal chance
- not representative e.g. all people available are female
Advantages & Disadvantages - Snowball Sampling
Advantages:
- useful way to contact those who may be difficult to find or persuade e.g. criminals
- no sample frame as it dependent on who is referred to
Disadvantages:
- issue of having a biased sample
- not representative of the target population
