A01

• What does the term population refer to in research?

  A large group of individuals studied
• Why is the term target population used?

  It is a subset of the general population
• Why do researchers select a sample instead of the entire population?

  For practical and economic reasons
• What is the ideal characteristic of a sample in research?

  It should be representative of the target population
• What is a common issue with samples in research?

  They often contain some degree of bias
• What is a sampling technique?

  A method to produce a representative sample
• What is a random sample?

  All members have an equal chance of selection
• What is the first step in selecting a random sample?

  Obtain a complete list of all members
• How is the actual sample selected in a random sample?

  Through a lottery method
• What is a systematic sample?

  Every nth member is selected from the population
• What is a sampling frame?

  A list of people in the target population
• How does a systematic sample reduce bias?

  By starting from a randomly determined point
• What is a stratified sample?

  A sample reflecting proportions of subgroups
• How is a stratified sample carried out?

  Identify strata and select participants randomly
• In a stratified sample of 20 participants, how many Manchester United fans would be included if they make up 40% of the population?

  8 Manchester United fans
• What is an opportunity sample?

  Participants are selected based on availability
• What is a volunteer sample?

  Participants select themselves to join the study
• How might a researcher select a volunteer sample?

  By placing an advert or asking for volunteers
• What are the advantages of using a stratified sample over a random sample?

  It ensures representation of subgroups
• What is a disadvantage of using an opportunity sample?

  It may not be representative of the population
• How does a volunteer sample potentially introduce bias?

  It may attract a specific type of participant