Strengths Limitations Sampling

Question 1

What are the strengths of random sampling?

Answer 1

• provides an accurate representation of target population, is the most representative
• can be more accurately generalised
• free of researcher bias, no way for researcher OR participants to impact participants chosen

Question 2

What are the limitations of random sampling?

Answer 2

• time consuming
• expensive
• not completely accurate if target population is too big

Question 3

What are strengths of snowball sampling?

Answer 3

• convenient and efficient
• potential participants are more likely to paricipate if they are invited b y someone they trust - rapport
• cost efficient

Question 4

What are limitations of snowball sampling?

Answer 4

• sampling bias, people only selecting those they know and trust, not everyone has equal chance of being selected, not representative, studies like-minded people
• confidentiality issues, participants know each other and are aware of information being shared with people they know in their real lives. This may limit the information they are willing to discuss

Question 5

What are strengths of opportunity sampling?

Answer 5

• convenient

- time and cost efficient

Question 6

What are limitations of opportunity sampling?

Answer 6

• researcher has too much control
• opportunity for research bias , researcher is selecting convenient time and place for sampling, subconciously affecting results
• not a representative sample, whoever is available doesn’t make it easier to apply to wider population

Question 7

What are strengths of self-selected sample?

Answer 7

• quick and efficient
• collects participants actually willing to participate (implies consent) (may be more likely to offer answers)
• more likely to stay through whole experiment

Question 8

What are limitations of self-selected sample?

Answer 8

• sampling bias possible, only people who see advertisement or call for participants have chance to participate (not everyone has equal chance)
• people who are interested may know the aim of the study and come with their own agenda, due to particpant expectations. They could intentiaonally give answers to see results they want
• not representative

Question 9

What are strenghts of stratified sampling?

Answer 9

• attempts to be representative by mimicking ratios
• more representative
• easier to generalise