Sampling Techniques

Question 1

What is a target population?

Answer 1

Population intended to be studied

Question 2

What is a sampling frame?

Answer 2

Individuals from the target population who can be selected as part of the sample that are meant to represent the target population as a whole

Question 3

What is opportunity sampling?

Answer 3

When the researchers get hold of the first people conveniently available to them from the sampling fram to do the research

Question 4

What are the advantages/disadvantages of opportunity sampling?

Answer 4

+Quick and easy to obtain a sample, saving valuable time
-Not fair as not everyone has the same chance of being selected, with bias being inevitable as sample is drawn from a small part of the target population

Question 5

What is random sampling?

Answer 5

Fairest method where everyone has an equal chance of being selected, which could be done by putting names into a hat, etc

Question 6

What are the advantages/disadvantages of random sampling?

Answer 6

+Fair as everyone has an equal chance of being selected, so it is unbiased
-Possible for a number of people who are chosen to refuse to be part of the research

Question 7

What is stratified sampling?

Answer 7

Sample of choosing groups that need to be represented, to give a fair cross-section of the population, then using a random sample method within these groups

Question 8

What are the advantages/disadvantages of stratified sampling?

Answer 8

+Ensure that it is possible to get participants that represent all parts of the population so it is more representative than chance sampling
-Many participants selected may decide they do not want to participate

Question 9

What is quota sampling?

Answer 9

Stratified sample but after choosing the groups that need to be represented the researcher choose the individuals who would be most likely to exhibit characteristics of the group

Question 10

What are the advantages/disadvantages of quota sampling?

Answer 10

+Ensure that the sample accurately represents all partys of the population, as subgroups are equally represented
-Biases of researchers could affect the sample, resulting in biased research

Question 11

What is self-selected sampling?

Answer 11

Researchers advertise in a newpaper, on a notice board in a college, or online asking participants to take part

Question 12

What are the advantages/disadvantages of self-selected sampling?

Answer 12

+Everyone is willing to be part of the research as they know the aim of the research in advance, so no one refuses to participate
-Only one type of person is willing to volunteer to take part in research and therefore the results of the experiment would not be true for the entire population, so sample is biased

Question 13

What is a sample event?

Answer 13

Technique, where psychologists observe participants and the event is recorded each time it occurs in order to create a total score

Question 14

What are the advantages/disadvantages of sample events?

Answer 14

+Every event that is relevant to the researcher is recorded
-All other events are ignored, can therefore lead to diminishing results

Question 15

What is time sampling?

Answer 15

Observational sampling technique, where psychologists will record the behaviour/events they see at specific times

Question 16

What are the advantages/disadvantages of time sampling?

Answer 16

+Less likley to show the bias of the observer since all behaviour at specific time is measured
-Can miss loads of important events as it ignores the times where it doesn’t measure

Question 17

What is a systematic sample?

Answer 17

Method of obtaining a sample that is representative of the entire population, which is not a random method

Question 18

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a systematic sample?

Answer 18

+Ensures that it is possible to get participants to represent all parts of the population, meaning it is unbiased as an objective system is used to select participants
-Sample is not random, so there is greater probability that some will be selected than others, arguing that sample is not fair

Question 19

What is snowball sampling?

Answer 19

Psychologist finds a few participants, and then ask them to find more people who would be willing to take part in the sample, which happens when the researhcer needs a specialist sample

Question 20

What are the advantages/disadvantages of snowball sampling?

Answer 20

+Possible to obtain a specialist sample where it would be very difficult or impossible to find them using another method
-Sample is very similar and may know each other and may not fully represent the target population