Term
Sampling
What is sampling?
Answer
Definition
Selecting people from a larger population to participate in research.
These notes explore the crucial process of selecting participants for social research, ensuring findings are reliable and applicable to the wider population.
Five common methods used in social research:
Strength: Attempts to mirror population; faster than random sampling. Weakness: Not truly random; potential bias in selection within quotas.
The Reliability Trade-off: Larger samples provide more reliable data but require more time and resources. Exploratory studies may use smaller samples, while studies aiming for generalization require larger samples.
What is sampling?
Selecting people from a larger population to participate in research.
Why is representativeness important in sampling?
It ensures findings apply to the wider population, not just the sample.
What is opportunity sampling?
Selecting participants who are easiest to access, like passersby.
Name a strength and a weakness of opportunity sampling.
Strength: Quick and simple. Weakness: Biased, not representative.
What does random sampling involve?
Giving every individual an equal chance of selection.
Why might random sampling be difficult?
Requires a full population list and can be time-consuming.
When is snowball sampling used?
To find hard-to-reach groups through participant referrals.
What bias is common in volunteer sampling?
Volunteer bias, attracting specific types of participants.
What is quota sampling?
Setting target numbers for characteristics, then selecting participants conveniently.
How does sample size affect research results?
Larger samples increase reliability but need more resources.
What sample characteristics should researchers consider?
Relevant traits like gender, ethnicity, and employment status.