Sampling

• Why do sociologists sample?

  To save time, save money, and because testing everyone is impractical.
• What is a target population in sociological research?

  The total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn.
• If a researcher is studying sixth form students at CHS, who is the target population?

  All sixth form students at CHS.
• What is a sample in sociological research?

  A subset of a target population used to represent the entire group.
• What does it mean for a sample to be representative?

  It reflects the target population in terms of characteristics like age and gender.
• What is a sampling frame?

  A list of people from which the sample will be drawn.
• What is random sampling?

  A technique where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected.
• What is a strength of random sampling?

  It is representative of the target population as everyone has an equal chance of being chosen.
• What is a weakness of random sampling?

  It requires a large sampling frame to avoid bias.
• How can bias be introduced in random sampling?

  If some individuals are not available or refuse to participate.
• What is stratified random sampling?

  A technique where the sample is a proportional representation of the target population.
• What is a strength of stratified random sampling?

  It allows for representation of all groups in a smaller sample.
• What is a weakness of stratified random sampling?

  It may not be practical if the sampling frame lacks necessary information.
• What is quota sampling?

  A technique where the researcher is told how many respondents of a particular type are required.
• What is a strength of quota sampling?

  It allows the researcher to control participant variables without needing a sampling frame.
• What is a weakness of quota sampling?

  It is not randomized, so not everyone has the same chance of being selected.
• What is opportunity sampling?

  A technique where participants are selected from whoever is available at the time of the study.
• What is a strength of opportunity sampling?

  It is a quick and easy way to gather large numbers of participants.
• What is a weakness of opportunity sampling?

  It has low representativeness as it is drawn from a small section of the community.
• What is snowball sampling?

  A non-representative technique that uses personal contacts to build a sample group.
• What is a strength of snowball sampling?

  No sampling frame is needed, making it easier to access sensitive groups.
• What is a weakness of snowball sampling?

  It is not representative as participants are part of a network of contacts.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of random sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Representative of the target population
  • Quick and easy to implement

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Requires a large sampling frame
  • Difficult to ensure all are available for the sampling frame
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of stratified random sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Proportional representation of the target population
  • High control over participant variables

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Often impractical due to lack of information
  • Representativeness may be reduced by predetermined groups
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of quota sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Control over participant variables
  • No need for a sampling frame

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Not randomized
  • Practical problems in determining participant criteria
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of opportunity sampling?

  Strengths:

  • Quick and easy to gather participants
  • No need for a sampling frame

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Low representativeness
  • Can be subjective
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of snowball sampling?

  Strengths:

  • No sampling frame needed
  • Less ethical issues as participants volunteer

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Not representative
  • Can take a long time to gather a sufficient sample
• What are some recommended further readings for sociology sampling techniques?

  Webb R et al. (2015), Webb R & Trobe K. (2015), Browne K. (2015).
• What is the timing for the Sample AS Paper 2 in sociology?

  1. 30 minutes per mark available.
• What is the timing for the Sample A level Paper 1 in sociology?

  1. 30 minutes per mark available.
• What is the timing for the Sample A level Paper 3 in sociology?

  1. 30 minutes per mark available.
• What is one of the exam questions related to random sampling?

  Outline two disadvantages of using random sampling in sociological research.
• What is one of the exam questions related to sampling methods?

  Evaluate the problems involved in using different sampling methods when carrying out sociological research.
• What is one of the exam questions related to non-representative sampling techniques?

  Outline and explain two problems of using non-representative sampling techniques.
• What is one of the exam questions related to sampling techniques?

  Evaluate the usefulness of different kinds of sampling techniques.