Sampling methods

• What is a sample in research?

  A selection from a wider population
• Why is it important for a sample to be representative?

  It allows generalizations to the whole population
• What might qualitative researchers choose to study a non-representative sample?

  To focus on a small, deviant group
• What is a sample frame?

  A list of names for sample selection
• What does a sample unit refer to?

  Who makes up the sample
• What is one question a researcher asks when starting a sample?

  Is a sample frame available?
• What role do gatekeepers play in sampling?

  They facilitate access to participant groups
• What are the types of sampling methods?

  • Representative Sampling
  • Simple Random Sampling
  • Systematic Random Sampling
  • Stratified Random Sampling
  • Quota Sampling
  • Non-Representative Sampling
  • Purposive Sampling
  • Opportunity Sampling
  • Snowball Sampling
  • Volunteer Sampling
• How does the government select jurors for Crown Courts?

  Randomly from the electoral register
• What is a practical strength of Simple Random Sampling?

  It is simple, quick, and easy to do
• What is a theoretical strength of Simple Random Sampling?

  It is likely to be representative with enough participants
• What is a practical limitation of Simple Random Sampling?

  The sample frame may not be up-to-date
• What is a theoretical limitation of Simple Random Sampling?

  Representativeness is not guaranteed
• What is Systematic Random Sampling?

  Selecting every Nth person from the sample frame
• What is a practical strength of Systematic Random Sampling?

  It is easy to complete
• What is an ethical strength of Systematic Random Sampling?

  It maintains confidentiality of personal information
• What is a theoretical strength of Systematic Random Sampling?

  It captures a wider spread of participants
• What is a practical limitation of Systematic Random Sampling?

  It can be time-consuming to select every Nth person
• What is an ethical limitation of Systematic Random Sampling?

  Participants' rights to confidentiality must be considered
• What is a theoretical limitation of Systematic Random Sampling?

  Representativeness is still not guaranteed
• What is Stratified Random Sampling?

  Subdividing the population into groups and sampling
• What is a practical strength of Stratified Random Sampling?

  It allows for the most appropriate individuals to be selected
• What is an ethical strength of Stratified Random Sampling?

  Individuals have the right to withdraw
• What is a theoretical strength of Stratified Random Sampling?

  It allows accurate proportions of groups to be chosen
• What is a practical limitation of Stratified Random Sampling?

  It is time-consuming to subdivide into categories
• What is an ethical limitation of Stratified Random Sampling?

  It may include sensitive personal information
• What is a theoretical limitation of Stratified Random Sampling?

  The sample frame may not be up to date
• What is Quota Sampling?

  Sampling a specific quota of people
• What is a practical strength of Quota Sampling?

  It is a quick and cheap way to generate a sample
• What is an ethical strength of Quota Sampling?

  Fewer pressures to find the sample
• What is a theoretical strength of Quota Sampling?

  It allows for a representative sample when a frame is not available
• What is a practical limitation of Quota Sampling?

  It can be time-consuming to find specific quotas
• What is an ethical limitation of Quota Sampling?

  Researchers may make assumptions about participants
• What is a theoretical limitation of Quota Sampling?

  It is non-random and may be biased
• What is a non-representative sample?

  A sample constructed for a specific need
• What is an Opportunity or Convenience Sample?

  Sampling whoever the researcher contacts
• What is a practical strength of Opportunity Sampling?

  Useful for pilot studies to assess techniques
• What is an ethical strength of Opportunity Sampling?

  Participants agree to participate
• What is Purposive or Judgemental Sampling?

  Sampling based on specific characteristics
• What is a practical strength of Purposive Sampling?

  It targets specific populations for study