SAMPLING TECHNIQUES Flashcards
What are the two main sampling techniques used by sociologists?
- Random sampling
2. Non-random sampling
What is a sampling frame?
List of the names of the people who make up the research population that the sociologist wishes to research.
What are the two variations of random sampling?
1) Systematic random sampling.
2) Stratified random sampling.
What are the four types of non-random sampling?
1) Quota sampling.
2) Purposive sampling.
3) Opportunity sampling.
4) Snowball sampling.
What is quota sampling?
The researcher decides how many of each category of person should be included in the sample.
What is purposive sampling?
Researchers choosing individuals or cases that fit the nature of the research.
What is opportunity sampling?
Making the most of the situations or opportunities in which the research population is likely to be found.
What is snowball sampling?
Mainly used when researchers experience difficulty in gaining access to a particular group of people whom they wish to study.
What is systematic random sampling?
Involves randomly choosing a number between one and ten, from a sampling frame until the required number is reached.
What is stratified random sampling?
Dividing the research population into a number of different sampling frames and then using stratified sampling to select the group.
What are pilot studies? What are they used for?
Small-scale dress rehearsals for the main research.
For detecting bias.
How are respondent validation and interpretation of data used to detect bias?
Sociologist’s interpretation of an event or data is checked with those who took part. Feedback is obtained about accuracy.
