Sampling in quantitative research
Which of the following is not a type of non-probability sampling?
Snowball sampling
Stratified random sampling
Quota sampling
Convenience sampling
Stratified random sampling
Sometimes it is very difficult to produce a sampling frame for the population we wish to study, in which case probability sampling is not easily available to us. Since this automatically impairs generalizability, answer (b) must be correct since stratification of a random sample enhances this aspect of the research. The other methods are widely used, as discussed on pages 187 to 190. They are each types of ‘non-probability’ sampling which means the respondents in the sample have been selected for particular reasons and are therefore biased. This does not mean they are somehow invalid. On the contrary, they frequently offer insights into social behaviour that could not otherwise be obtained.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 187-190
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 187-190
Stratified random sampling Sometimes it is very difficult to produce a sampling frame for the population we wish to study, in which case probability sampling is not easily available to us. Since this automatically impairs generalizability, answer (b) must be correct since stratification of a random sample enhances this aspect of the research. The other methods are widely used, as discussed on pages 187 to 190. They are each types of ‘non-probability’ sampling which means the respondents in the sample have been selected for particular reasons and are therefore biased. This does not mean they are somehow invalid. On the contrary, they frequently offer insights into social behaviour that could not otherwise be obtained.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 187-190
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 187-190
Related posts
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
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
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
Leave a Reply