Sampling

• Sampling frame:

  • A list of all the members of the population we are interested in studying
  • Aim = gain representative view of whole population
• Random sampling:

  • Based on view that everyone has an equal chance of being selected
  • Representativeness depends on :
  • Source of sampling frame
  • Element of chance
  • Size of sample
• Simple random sampling:

  • People selected by random chance
  • Eg - names out of a hat
• Quasi random sampling:

  • Every 10th / 100th name taken from original frame
• Stratified sampling :

  • Population divided into societal groups
  • Eg - males + females
  • Sample taken equally/proportionally so final sample = representative
• Cluster sampling:

  • Researcher focus on an area/selection of areas + choose sample within those areas
  • Used when area of study = too large for researcher to cope with
• Quota sampling:

  • Researcher focus on particular/small no. societal groups that fulfil criteria
  • Eg - ethnic minority males under age of 50
• Snowball sampling:

  • No sampling frame
  • Contact made with 1 person + introduce researcher to further contacts
  • Eg - McNamara's study of male prostitutes in New York
• Theoretical Sampling:

  • Further own views sociologists study non typical people
  • Eg - Feminists may study women in non typical roles
• Convenience Sampling:

  • Chooses individuals that are the easiest to access
  • Eg - people on street