Sampling process Flashcards
What is sampling?
Sampling is how the participants are selected in order to test a researcher’s hypothesis which can be either non-random as the selection is influenced by the researcher or random where the researcher has no impact. This is dependent on the nature of the study as when studying a marginalised group, random sampling could limit voices and the evidence collected
What is stratified random sampling?
It is the most common random sampling technique that works out complexly how the population is divided into strata therefore in a sample size, each strata would be accurately represented
What is systematic random sampling?
It selects people based on a numbered order such as every tenth person making it simpler for the researcher. It doesn’t guarantee a representative sample especially smaller samples as bias still remains. In addition, it may be problematic as the participant chosen may not want to take part
What is random sampling?
It involves selecting random names for a sampling frame such as a hat or random name generator. Whilst the population has an equal chance of being in the cross sectioned population, it doesn’t guarantee a representative sample as there may be bias through a disproportionate number of people from one people
What is non-random quota sampling?
It is similar to random sampling often used by large-scale research companies as it determines how the population is divided. These companies often go to public places like streets and shopping centres and look for people who fit quotas of different social categories. Once the quota is fulfilled, they won’t try to find anymore people. Bias can affect it as they interview approachable people leading to neglection of marginalised group creating difficulties for generalisation
What is non-random purposive sampling?
Individuals are chosen to fit the nature of the research rather than having a diverse population as it assists the purpose of the research. This significantly aids qualitative research as it allows for detailed accounts but its main intention isn’t to be representative therefore evidence could be limited to the research
What is non-random opportunity sampling?
Participants are chosen as they are available at the time of the time of the pilot study saving time and resources. Whilst they are selected to benefit the study, they may not be representative as they are selected in a small sample frame
What is non-random snowball sampling?
It is often used to interview difficult participants and marginalised groups who may not consciously chose to take part in research such as youth subcultures. The research finds a person who fit the research’s needs and they suggest another person who would be willing to be interviewed increasing the research population. It can produce a typical sample as it is unlikely to represent the population due to interconnection
What is non-random volunteer sampling?
Participants self-select themselves through advertisements in a website, newspapers, posters as it may have a specific characteristic that cannot be accessed through wider audience since they fit the criteria of the research. This does limit ethical issues as the participant would be willing to provide answers however, it may be difficult to find the target population limiting the evidence found and they may have strong opinions on the subject
What is access and gatekeeping?
It is subjective to the research as marginalised and protected groups may need permission from a gatekeeper (a person who controls access to a social group) to protect them from ethical concerns. Due to is difficulties, it means that research in prisons and private schools may be disproportionally marginalised through the increased power of a gatekeeper and increasing priorities to protect the social group from power dynamics. Once access is granted an intermediary like a social worker may be required to protect the participant and further establish trust
What are ethics and why are they important?
Ethics are a set of principles of conduct to control the behaviour of the researcher as it is their responsibility to protect the participant under 5 areas which the as informed consent, exploitation, privacy and confidentiality, protection from harm and illegality and immorality. The BSA argues it is important as it impacts people’s lives and rights
What is informed consent?
The right to know what the research is about and how the results will be used through potential risks and benefits allowing participants to make informed choices as they have the ability to refuse to take part or answer certain questions at any time upholding their rights as deception is avoided through honesty
What is privacy and confidentiality?
Whilst the nature of research is to understand private and intimate social situations, it is still achieved through hiding identities so information cannot be traced back to them. It can also include being sensitive to the social and cultural context of the participant often through avoiding intrusive and unnecessary questions. This especially important for marginalised groups who may want their privacy maintained. This allows them to be more willing to give evidence increasing validity.
What is protection from harm?
It involves the research being reflexive about the questions they propose as it could cause emotional and psychological damage as well as providing support services for the participant
What is illegality and immorality?
This protects the sociologist from witnessing, assisting and committing crimes as well as the participant as the authorities should be altered when requires. However, for interpretivists, this could be challenged when interviewing deviant groups as is undermines trust and validity. This is especially challenging in covert observation as they have to lie and engage in illegal activity in order to gain rich qualitative data however by concealing their identity ethical guidelines are still broken
What is exploitation?
It involves maintain some benefit for the participant such as ensuring their voices are heard limiting challenges to power dynamics through control by gaining in-depth research
