Sampling Methods

Question 1

Random sample

Answer 1

Where everyone has an equal chance of being picked (entirely by chance

Strengths -
• everyone has equal chance of being picked - if repeated a similar sample should emerge
• not biased - representative
•preferred by positivist because its specific and has an objective nature - reliable

Weaknesses
• time consuming - people may pull out - lowers rep and gen
• sample frame won’t always provide useful information (gender/class) - therefore can be bias- lowers rep and gen
• can lack representativeness if a greater number of 1 type of person is picked

Question 2

Stratified sampling

Answer 2

Not concerned about probability -sample must mirror the characteristics of the pop (gender/class/age) - proportion of each group is selected

Strengths
• can ensure that all groups are target - rep
- not biased - rep
•preferred by positivists - specific/ objective nature - reliability

Weaknesses
• time consuming - people may pull out - lowers rep and gen
• sample frame may not give specific groups to include - lowers rep and gen
• if some groups have a larger number of people then they are more likely to be chosen