Sampling Techniques Flashcards
Opportunity sampling.
+
Quicker and easier than other sampling techniques, as participants are readily available and in the same location as the researcher.
Opportunity sampling.
++
Very useful for naturalistic observations, as the observers have no control over who their studying.
Opportunity sampling.
-
Likely to be an unrepresentative sample.
Opportunity sampling.
–
There is a danger that the researcher will only pick people from their own social group and cultural group, leading to a biased sample.
Self-selected/volunteer sampling.
This is where the researcher requests for participant perhaps through direct mailing or adverts. The participants that have responded have chosen to do so. The participant selected themselves to take part in the research.
Self-selected/volunteer sampling.
+
Very useful technique when looking for specific types of people.
Self-selected/volunteer sampling.
++
As participants volunteered to take part in the research they will be more motivated/committed about the research.
Self-selected/volunteer sampling.
-
Unrepresentative sample as certain people take part in research. E.g, lots of spare time on their hands, well educated.
Self-selected/volunteer sample.
–
Participants may be keen to please the researcher which may create the problem of demand characteristics as a consequence.
Random sampling.
This is where the researcher ensures that each person in the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
Random sampling.
+
It is likely to be a representative sample as all types of people in the population are equally likely to be chosen.
Random sampling.
-
More difficult and time consuming.
Random sampling.
–
There is still the potential danger that the sample may be biased. (E.g, if girls only happen to be selected).
Opportunity sampling.
This refers to when the researcher takes advantage of people who are available at the time and those who fit the criteria they are interested in.
