Sampling in quantitative research
The findings from a study of young single mothers at a university can be generalised to the population of:
All young single mothers at that university
All young single mothers in that society
All single mothers in all universities
All young women in that university
All young single mothers at that university
The findings of research based on random sampling of the population can be fairly applied to the population as a whole, but only to that population. This means that we must be very clear about the population we wish to study before drawing down the sample. There may be superficial resemblances between various populations but there may be substantial differences as well. We simply don’t know until we do the research. It is better to claim for your findings only that which can be defended, because this will earn greater respect for you and your work.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 193, 194
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 193, 194
All young single mothers at that university The findings of research based on random sampling of the population can be fairly applied to the population as a whole, but only to that population. This means that we must be very clear about the population we wish to study before drawing down the sample. There may be superficial resemblances between various populations but there may be substantial differences as well. We simply don’t know until we do the research. It is better to claim for your findings only that which can be defended, because this will earn greater respect for you and your work.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 193, 194
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 193, 194
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A simple random sample is one in which:A. From a random starting point, every nth unit from the sampling frame is selected
B. A non-probability strategy is used, making the results difficult to generalize
C. The researcher has a certain quota of respondents to fill for various social groups
D. Every unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected
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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