Sampling methods

Question 1

Random sampling

Answer 1

Random sampling is a sampling technique where individual has an equal chance of being picked-chosen entirely by chance. This reduces risk of samples biased by researcher choice but can include an unrepresentative sample if respondents with similar characteristics are disproportionately chosen (eg: too many boys) A sampling frame is needed to do this. E.g. systematic or stratified random sample.

Question 2

Random sample

Answer 2

Strengths- everyone has the same chance of being picked. If repeated a similar sample will emerge - reliable- not biased - representative
- preferred by positivists because it’s specific and has an objective nature - reliable

Weaknesses - Time consuming - people may pull out - lowers representativeness and generalisability

• the sampling frame won’t always provide useful information (e.g gender and class) - therefore can be bias (lowers rep and gen)
• can lack representatives if a greater number of 1 type of person is picked.

Question 3

Stratified random sample

Answer 3

Not concerned with equal probability - sample must mirror the social characteristics of the population (gender/age/class) - proportion of each group must be selected

Strengths - can ensure that each group is represented (rep) - not biased
- positivists would favour- scientific and objective nature - reliability

Weaknesses - time consuming - people may pull out - lowers rep and gen of the sample
Sampling frame may not give specific groups to include - lowers rep and get
- if some groups have a larger no of people in the, then they are more likely to be chosen - biased- lowers rep and gen

Question 4

Non random sampling

Answer 4

A sampling technique in which everyone does not have an equal chance of being picked (sample is often chosen purposely because of their characteristics or are self-selected). A sampling frame is not needed but sample is less likely to be representative and can be biased through researcher choice. E.g. Snowball/Quota sample

Question 5

Quota

Answer 5

• where the researcher has a clear idea of the sample they want and where to find it - select required population based on a given criteria - get a certain amount of men women and young people to meet their quota

Strengths - useful when theres no sampling frame

• more representative than other non-random samples
• targets range of groups - representative
• easy to set target

Weaknesses - researcher may be biased towards a certain group - lowers rep and

• no sampling frame - less scientific, more difficult to repeat - lowers reliability
• numbers needed may not be representative of target population