The process of research & Sampling techniques LT2 Flashcards
What are the processes of research ?
- Formulating an aim or hypothesise
- Operationalising concept
- The pilot study
- Sampling
Primary data
information collected by the sociologist themselves
secondary data
Information that has been collected by someone else, but the sociologist can use
Random sampling
When every person in a target population has an equal chance of being selected in the sample. This can be achieved by picking names out of a hat.
What is an example of random sampling ?
Rosenthal and Jacobson teachers were given a list of students who score in the top 20% however the teachers did not know the students were randomly selected.
Systematic sampling
where every Nth person in a sampling frame is selected
What is an example of systematic sampling ?
Willmott and Young sample of Bethnal Green families every 36th name on the register.
Advantages to Random and systematic sampling
. Relatively easy to carry out
. Ensurers equal chance
. Eliminates researchers bias
Disadvantages of random and systematic sampling
. large sample to ensure its representative
. Can be unrepresentative
Quota
Before researcher is carried out the researcher decides how many respondents of a particular type are required.
What is an example of a quota ?
Rubin et al: Carried out interviews to gauge the psychological of London bombing. They used a quota sampling to select individuals aged 18. The sets included sex age working status
Advantage of Quotes
. Quick and cheap method
Stratified sampling
Split the sample down into groups and select from these groups.
What is an example of stratified sampling ?
Annual crime survey England and Wales
Advantage of stratified sampling
. Effective as it allows the researcher to control the variables that are important to the research
Disadvantage of stratified sampling
. It is complex and time consuming to identify sample
snowball sampling
A non-representative technique that involves using personal contacts to build up a sample group. ‘Friend telling friend’.
E.g. Becker interviewed 50 marijuana users gathered participants from music industry.
Advantages of snowball sampling
. Can allow access to sensitive and secretive groups.
Disadvantages of snowball sampling
. Not representative as people who are included are apart of social contacts
Opportunity sampling
A non-representative technique that involves selecting those who are conveniently available to research.
Advantages of opportunity sampling
. Quick, cheap and easy
. No sampling frame is needed
Disadvantages of opportunity sampling
. Sample is not representative
