Sampling

• Why is it important to consider who participated in a study?

  To assess if findings can be generalized
• What are the five sampling techniques discussed?

  • Random sampling
  • Systematic sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Opportunity sampling
  • Volunteer sampling
• What is the definition of target population?

  All individuals in the study group
• What is generalization in research?

  Applying results from a sample to the target population
• What is random sampling?

  Everyone has an equal chance of selection
• What is a strength of random sampling?

  It avoids researcher bias in selection
• What is a weakness of random sampling?

  It may yield an unrepresentative sample
• How does systematic sampling work?

  Every Nth person is selected from a list
• What is a strength of systematic sampling?

  It removes researcher bias in selection
• What is a weakness of systematic sampling?

  It can still yield an unrepresentative sample
• What is an opportunity sample?

  Participants are selected based on availability
• What is a strength of opportunity sampling?

  It is a fast way to gather a sample
• What is a weakness of opportunity sampling?

  It may introduce researcher bias
• What is a volunteer sample?

  Participants select themselves to join
• What is a strength of volunteer sampling?

  It can reach a large number of participants
• What is a weakness of volunteer sampling?

  It may lead to volunteer bias
• What is a stratified sample?

  A sample that represents subgroups of the population
• What is a strength of stratified sampling?

  It creates a representative sample of the population
• What is a weakness of stratified sampling?

  It can be time-consuming and complex
• What is a potential issue with historical studies in psychology?

  They often ignore or underrepresent women
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each sampling method?

  • Random:
  • Strength: Avoids researcher bias
  • Weakness: May yield unrepresentative sample
  • Systematic:
  • Strength: Removes researcher bias
  • Weakness: Possible unrepresentative sample
  • Opportunity:
  • Strength: Fast sample collection
  • Weakness: Potential researcher bias
  • Volunteer:
  • Strength: Reaches many participants
  • Weakness: Volunteer bias
  • Stratified:
  • Strength: Representative of population
  • Weakness: Time-consuming and complex