Sampling in quantitative research
A simple random sample is one in which:
From a random starting point, every nth unit from the sampling frame is selected
A non-probability strategy is used, making the results difficult to generalize
The researcher has a certain quota of respondents to fill for various social groups
Every unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected
Every unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected
Once we know the size of the population to be researched, we can determine the size of our sample. This latter number will depend a lot on our resources of time and money. Then we make (or obtain, if one is already available) a sampling frame, from which we select our future respondents, typically using random number tables. This is to ensure that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, so there can be no bias in the selection, the result being referred to as a ‘simple’ random sample. If you answered (a) you were probably thinking of a ‘systematic’ sample, a short-cut method of selecting directly from the sampling frame but you must be careful to make sure the frame has not already been ordered in a particular way for another purpose.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 176,177
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 176,177
Every unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected Once we know the size of the population to be researched, we can determine the size of our sample. This latter number will depend a lot on our resources of time and money. Then we make (or obtain, if one is already available) a sampling frame, from which we select our future respondents, typically using random number tables. This is to ensure that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, so there can be no bias in the selection, the result being referred to as a ‘simple’ random sample. If you answered (a) you were probably thinking of a ‘systematic’ sample, a short-cut method of selecting directly from the sampling frame but you must be careful to make sure the frame has not already been ordered in a particular way for another purpose.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 176,177
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 176,177
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The findings from a study of young single mothers at a university can be generalised to the population of:A. All young single mothers at that university
B. All young single mothers in that society
C. All single mothers in all universities
D. All young women in that university
Which of the following is not a characteristic of quota sampling?
A. The researcher chooses who to approach and so might bias the sample
B. Those who are available to be surveyed in public places are unlikely to constitute a representative sample
C. The random selection of units makes it possible to calculate the standard error
D. It is a relatively fast and cheap way of finding out about public opinions
It is helpful to use a multi-stage cluster sample when:
A. The population is widely dispersed geographically
B. You have limited time and money available for travelling
C. You want to use a probability sample in order to generalise the results
D. All of the above
Snowball sampling can help the researcher to:
A. Access deviant or hidden populations
B. Theorise inductively in a qualitative study
C. Overcome the problem of not having an accessible sampling frame
D. All of the above
Which of the following is not a type of non-probability sampling?
A. Snowball sampling
B. Stratified random sampling
C. Quota sampling
D. Convenience sampling
A sampling frame is:
A. A summary of the various stages involved in designing a survey
B. An outline view of all the main clusters of units in a sample
C. A list of all the units in the population from which a sample will be selected
D. A wooden frame used to display tables of random numbers
What effect does increasing the sample size have upon the sampling error?
A. It reduces the sampling error
B. It increases the sampling error
C. It has no effect on the sampling error
D. None of the above
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