A Level Psychology - Sampling

A Level Psychology: Research Methods - Sampling:

Sampling Methods:

Target Population: The total group of individuals from which a sample may be drawn

1. Random
2. Opportunity
3. Self-selecting
4. Snowball

Random Sampling:

Every member of the population has an even chance of taking part

• E.g. Drawing names from a hat

Positives of Random Sampling:

• Provides and unbiased sample
• Most representative

Negatives of Random Sampling:

• Time consuming 
• Often impossible 
• Still have to ask the participants to take part for ethical reasons

Opportunity Sampling:

Anyone who is available at the time of your research

• E.g. walking around school and asking the first 20 people you see to participate 

Positives of Opportunity Sampling:

• Quick and…