Sampling techniques

Question 1

Generalisation

Answer 1

-To draw conclusions about a target population using results from a study.

Question 2

Representative

Answer 2

-A group that closely matches the characteristics of its population as a whole.

Question 3

Biased sample

Answer 3

-The result of collecting a sample from a population that is not random and tends to produce a particular outcome.

Question 4

Target population

Answer 4

-Refers to the group of individuals the researcher is interested in.

Question 5

Sampling frame

Answer 5

-Refers to the smaller group from the target population the researcher is going to sample their participants from.

Question 6

Sample group

Answer 6

-Refers to participants actually used in the research, this is a sample taken from the sampling frame.

Question 7

Random sampling

Answer 7

-Get a list of all the people in your target population. Put the names in a hat or use a random number generator to randomly select the participants.

Question 8

Opportunity sampling

Answer 8

-Choosing people who are available at the time, e.g, people walking past in the street.

Question 9

Systematic sampling

Answer 9

-Use a pre-determined system, e.g, every 14th person, to select every nth participant from the target population.

Question 10

Self-selected sampling

Answer 10

-Advertise for participants in a newspaper or a noticeboard or the internet for participants to then volunteer to take part.

Question 11

Quota sampling

Answer 11

-Subgroups or strata within a target population are identified. -Participants are gained from a pre-set number of each of the strata.
-Then, selection from the strata is done using opportunity sampling.

Question 12

Stratified sampling

Answer 12

-Subgroups or strata within a target population are identified.
-Participants are gained from each strata in proportion to the rate they appear in the target population.
Then, selection from the strata is done using a random technique.

Question 13

Snowball sampling

Answer 13

-Find one or a few participants, then ask them to recruit further participants from people they know.

Question 14

Random sampling advantages and disadvantages

Answer 14

Advantages:
-Unbiased
-Less chance of researcher bias
Disadvantages:
-Time consuming
-Freak unrepresentative sample

Question 15

Opportunity sampling advantages and disadvantages

Answer 15

Advantages:
-Quick and easy
-Appropriate for unknown sampling frame
Disadvantages:
-Biased sample
-Reseacher bias

Question 16

Systematic sampling advantages and disadvantages

Answer 16

Advantages:
-Less chance of bias
-Quick and easy
Disadvantages:
-Freak unrepresentative sample
-Inappropriate for unknown sampling frame

Question 17

Self-selected sampling advantages and disadvantages

Answer 17

Advantages:
-Ethical
-Quick and easy
Disadvantages:
-Volunteer bias
-Demand characteristics

Question 18

Quota sampling advantages and disadvantages

Answer 18

Advantages:
-Other than stratified, it’s the most representative
-Quicker than stratified sampling
Disadvantages:
-Time consuming
-Researcher bias

Question 19

Stratified sampling advantages and disadvantages

Answer 19

Advantages:
-Most representative
-Less chance of researcher bias
Disadvantages:
-Time consuming
-Likely to be some bias as all subgroups can’t be identified

Question 20

Snowball sampling advantages and disadvantages

Answer 20

Advantages:
-Gaining access to difficult to reach participants
-Appropriate for unknown sampling frame
Disadvantages:
-Unlikley to be representative
-Time consuming