Sampling Techniques Flashcards
Random Sampling
Every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen. Involves identifying everyone in the target population and selecting the number of participants you want in a way that gives everyone an equal chance of being chosen.
Stratified Sampling
Involves classifying the population into categories, choosing a sample which consists of participants from each category in the same proportions as they ae in the population e.g 100 girls and 20 boys do Sociology and so the survey would involve 10 girls and 2 boys. A sampling frame is used.
Sampling Frame
A list of members of the target population e.g list of a level students, a phone book or a list of customers.
What does selecting a sample involve?
1) Identifying a sample population
2) Selecting a sampling frame
Which Sampling techniques are representative?
Random, stratified, quota and systematic. Representative sampling techniques attempt to get a typical mix of people.
Which Sampling techniques are non-representative?
Snowball, volunteer and opportunity.
Quota Sampling
Similar to stratified but there is no sampling frame. Instead, the researcher picks people based on their characteristics.
Systematic Sampling
A system is put in place to select participants e.g every 5th person, 10th person etc.
Snowball Sampling
The researcher finds one person who is then the gatekeeper to other participants.
Self-selected/Volunteer Sampling
Consists of participants becoming part of a study because they volunteer when asked or in response to an advert.
Opportunity Sampling
Most used by sociology students. Consists of taking a sample of people who are available at the time the study is carried out and fit the criteria you are looking for.
