Sampling

• What is the target population in sampling?

  Group of people being studied
• Why is it important for a sample to represent the target population?

  To make valid generalisations
• What is the aim of sampling methods?

  Avoid bias in selection
• What is random sampling?

  Each person has an equal chance of selection
• How is random sampling typically conducted?

  Using numbers in a hat or random generator
• What is opportunity sampling?

  Selecting people who are available
• What is systematic sampling?

  Selecting every nth person from a list
• What is stratified sampling?

  Selecting participants in proportion to frequency
• What is a key advantage of stratified sampling?

  No bias as everyone has an equal chance
• What is a disadvantage of stratified sampling?

  It is very time-consuming to sort sub-groups
• What is a key advantage of opportunity sampling?

  It is quick and therefore cheap
• What is a disadvantage of opportunity sampling?

  It may end up with an unrepresentative sample
• What is a key characteristic of random sampling?

  Everyone has an equal chance of selection
• What is the main disadvantage of systematic sampling?

  It may not represent the entire population
• What are the different sampling methods and their characteristics?

  • Random Sampling: Equal chance of selection
  • Opportunity Sampling: Selects available participants
  • Systematic Sampling: Every nth person from a list
  • Stratified Sampling: Proportional selection based on frequency
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different sampling methods?

  Strengths:

  • Random Sampling: Minimizes bias
  • Opportunity Sampling: Quick and cheap
  • Stratified Sampling: Most representative

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Random Sampling: Requires a complete list
  • Opportunity Sampling: Unrepresentative sample risk
  • Stratified Sampling: Time-consuming to sort sub-groups