Sampling methods

• What is a sample in research?

  A sample is a selection from the wider population that researchers wish to study.
• Why is it important for a sample to be representative?

  It allows generalisations to be made to the whole population.
• What is a sample frame?

  A sample frame refers to where the sample is selected from, simply a list of names.
• What does the term 'sample unit' refer to?

  Sample unit refers to who makes up the sample.
• What is one of the first questions a researcher will ask when undertaking a sample?

  'Is a sample frame available?'
• What is an example of a sample frame?

  The Electoral Register is an example of a sample frame.
• What are some problems associated with using the Electoral Register as a sample frame?

  People under 18 are ignored, and travelers are ignored.
• Who are gatekeepers in research?

  Gatekeepers are people who work in institutions that can facilitate access to a group of participants.
• What are the types of sampling methods?

  • Representative Sampling
  • Simple Random Sampling
  • Systematic Random Sampling
  • Stratified Random Sampling
  • Quota Sampling
  • Non-Representative Sampling
  • Purposive Sampling
  • Opportunity Sampling
  • Snowball Sampling
  • Volunteer Sampling
• What is Simple Random Sampling?


  It involves picking names randomly from a sample frame, like a lottery.
• How is Simple Random Sampling similar to Jury Duty?

  Jurors' names are randomly selected from the electoral register.
• What is a strength of Simple Random Sampling?

  It is simple, quick, and easy to do, requiring little time.
• What is a limitation of Simple Random Sampling?

  The sample frame may not be up-to-date, impacting representation.
• What is Systematic Random Sampling?

  It involves selecting every nth person from the sample frame.
• What is a practical strength of Systematic Random Sampling?

  It is quite easy to complete by selecting the nth person each time.
• What is a limitation of Systematic Random Sampling?

  It can be time-consuming to select the nth person.
• What is Stratified Random Sampling?

  It involves subdividing the sample population into groups and randomly choosing samples from each group.
• Why is Stratified Random Sampling considered the most accurate form of sampling?


  It covers all groups and is chosen randomly, reducing researcher bias.
• What is a practical strength of Stratified Random Sampling?

  It allows for the most appropriate individuals to be selected.
• What is a limitation of Stratified Random Sampling?

  It is time-consuming to subdivide into different categories.
• What is Quota Sampling?

  It involves choosing participants based on specific characteristics proportional to society.
• What is a practical strength of Quota Sampling?

  It is a relatively quick and cheap way to generate a representative sample.
• What is a limitation of Quota Sampling?

  It can be potentially time-consuming to find a specific quota of people.
• What is Opportunity Sampling?


  It involves stopping whoever the researcher comes into contact with.
• What is a practical strength of Opportunity Sampling?

  It can be useful at the pilot study stage of research.
• What is a limitation of Opportunity Sampling?


  The researcher may not be able to gather a full sample.
• What is Purposive Sampling?


  It is selected based on the knowledge of a population and the purpose of the study.
• What is a strength of Purposive Sampling?


  It is quick to use as the researcher targets the required population.
• What is a limitation of Purposive Sampling?


  The researcher may not be able to gather a full sample, excluding wider society.
• What is Snowball Sampling?


  It involves one participant introducing the researcher to more participants, growing the sample.
• What is a practical strength of Snowball Sampling?

  It is useful for gaining access to difficult groups.
• What is a limitation of Snowball Sampling?

  It can be difficult and time-consuming to collect samples through others.
• What is Volunteer Sampling?


  It involves participants volunteering to be studied, making it self-selected.
• What is a practical strength of Volunteer Sampling?

  No sample frame is needed, making it easy to find a sample group.
• What is a limitation of Volunteer Sampling?

  It can exclude wider society depending on when and where research is completed.
• What is a theoretical limitation of Volunteer Sampling?

  Those who volunteer may be unrepresentative of the wider population.
• What are the key terms related to sampling methods?

  • Sampling Methods
  • Sample Frame
  • Sample Unit
  • Representative Sampling
  • Non-Representative Sampling
• What are the strengths and limitations of different sampling methods?

  Strengths:

  • Simple and quick to implement
  • Maintains confidentiality
  • Can lead to representative samples

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Sample frame may be outdated
  • Ethical concerns regarding consent
  • Representativeness is not guaranteed
• What are the ethical considerations in sampling methods?

  • Informed consent
  • Right to anonymity
  • Use of personal information
• What are the practical strengths and limitations of sampling methods?

  Strengths:

  • Quick and easy to implement
  • Can be cost-effective
  • Allows for targeted sampling

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Time-consuming for certain methods
  • Potential for bias
  • Difficulty in accessing certain populations