Sample

• Samples are selected using sampling techniques that aim to produce representative samples 
• random sample:

  • were all participants have an equal chance of being selected
  • Strength: free from researcher bias
  • Weakness: time consuming and difficult to conduct 
• Systematic sample 

  • every nth member of a target population is selected and a sampling frame is produced
  • Strengths: avoids researcher bias
  • Weakness: also difficult to achieve/ time consuming 
• Stratified sample

  • the researchers identifies the different types of people that make up the target population and work out the proportion needed for sample to be representative 
  • Strength: avoids researcher bias and is representative of population 
  • Weakness: is not perfect 
• Opportunity sample

  • those people who are avalible at the time and willing to participate 
  • Strength: quick and convenient 
  • Weakness: unrepresentative of target population, researcher bias
• Volunteer sample

  • participants put themselves forward to be a part of the sample
  • Strength: less time consuming 
  • Weakness: volunteer bias
• Random sample

  • Strength
  • free from researcher bias
• random sample:

  • Weakness
  • time consuming and difficult to conduct 
• Systematic sample 

  • Strengths: avoids researcher bias
  • Weakness: also difficult to achieve/ time consuming 
• Stratified sample

  • Strength: avoids researcher bias and is representative of population 
  • Weakness: is not perfect 
• Opportunity sample

  • Strength: quick and convenient 
  • Weakness: unrepresentative of target population, researcher bias
• Volunteer sample

  • Strength: less time consuming 
  • Weakness: volunteer bias