Sampling Methods

WJEC PY3 revision notes on the different types of sampling methods

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  • Created by: Flo
  • Created on: 02-06-12 18:30

Random Sampling

Everyone in the population has an equal chance at being selected. It usually involves the use of a random generator or pulling names out of a hat.

Advantage;

- Can be more representative as each member of the sample as an equal chance of being selected

Disadvantage;

- The people selected may not want to take part. This can still lead to a biased sample

Example;

A university undertook a study of mobile phone use in adolescents. The questionnaire was given to students at a local school by placing all the students names in a container and drawing out 50 names.

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Opportunity Sampling

Selecting people that are available at the time. They have been gathered together for another reason.

Advantage;

- Quicker and more efficient than other methods of sampling

Disadvantage;

- More likely to have a biased sample

Example;

A researcher wished to study memory in children aged between 5 and 11 years. He contacted the headmaster of his local primary school and arranged to test the children in the school.

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Self-Selected (Volunteer) Sampling

Individuals who have chosen to be involved in a study by answering some form of advert.

Advantage;

- Could avoid ethical issues

Disadvantage;

- Volunteer bias as they tend to be a certain 'type' of people

Example;

Milgram (1963) advertised for participants in a local newspaper and by posting adverts to homes in the area near Yale University. The advert said they would be taking part in a memory experiment and that they would be paid $4.50.

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Quota Sampling

Dividing the target population into important subcategories. Selecting Ps from each of thesections using a method such as volunteer or opportunity sampling.

Advantage;

- Useful when time is limited

Disadvantage;

- May be biased due to opportunity nature

Example;

A group of psychology students decided to interview shoppers about their attitudes to dieting. They ensured that they asked people from each age group.

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Stratified Sampling

Dividing the target population into important subcategories. Selecting members in proportion that they occur in the population using random methods.

Advantage;

- Likely to be more representative sample than other methods

Disadvantage;

- Can be more time consuming to work out the strata required

Example;

A polling company employed a panel of people to consult about their opinions on political issues. They identified various subgroups in the population and randomly selected members from each subgroup.

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Systematic Sampling

Using a predetermined system to select participants such as selecting every 10th person from the phone book.

Advantage;

- Less biased as Ps are selected using a objective system

Disadvantage;

- Lists may not be available of the target population

Example;

Buss (1989) posted questionnaires to every 5th house in an area of Venezuela.

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Comments

MrsMacLean

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This is really succint  thanks

Jasmine

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Very helpful. Thank you.

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