Understanding Sampling Methods

What is self-selected/ volunteer sampling?

• Self-selected sampling is a method where participants are randomly chosen.

• Self-selected sampling requires participants to be assigned to groups by the researcher.

• Self-selected sampling involves researchers selecting participants based on specific criteria.

• Self-selected sampling is a method where participants volunteer to be part of a study in response to an ad or announcement.

Answer explanation

Self-selected sampling is when participants choose to join a study, typically in response to an advertisement or announcement, making it distinct from random or researcher-assigned methods.

What is a key advantage of self-selected sampling?

• Easier data analysis process.

• Increased participant engagement and motivation, making it less likely for them to drop out.

• Lower cost of participant recruitment.

• Higher statistical validity of results.

Answer explanation

Self-selected sampling enhances participant engagement and motivation, leading to lower dropout rates. Participants who choose to be involved are often more invested in the study, which can improve the quality of the data collected and improve overall findings as participants are committed to their participation.

What is a disadvantage of self-selected sampling?

• It ensures a representative sample of the population.

• It allows for random selection of participants.

• It can introduce bias due to self-selection.

• It is cost-effective and easy to implement.

Answer explanation

Self-selected sampling can introduce bias because participants choose themselves, often leading to a non-representative sample. This can skew results and affect the validity of the findings. Participants that volunteer to participate in a study may have common characteristics making the sample not representative.

What is a primary advantage of convenience/opportunity sampling?

• It is quick and easy to gather participants.

• It provides a representative sample of the population.

• It ensures high accuracy in results.

• It requires extensive resources to conduct.

Answer explanation

The primary advantage of convenience/opportunity sampling is that it is quick and easy to gather participants, making it a practical choice for researchers needing fast results, as participants are easily accessible and readily available to the researcher.

Define opportunity sampling.

• Opportunity sampling involves random selection of participants from a population.

• Opportunity sampling requires participants to be pre-screened for specific criteria before selection.

• Opportunity sampling is a method of selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate.

• Opportunity sampling is a method where participants are chosen based on their demographic characteristics.

Answer explanation

Opportunity sampling is defined as selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate, making it distinct from random selection or pre-screening methods. It is usually a sample of participants available to the researcher at the location and time a study/experiment is taking place.

What is a disadvantage of opportunity sampling?

• It ensures a representative sample of the population.

• It is a quick and easy method of sampling.

• It allows for random selection of participants.

• It can introduce bias in the sample selection.

Answer explanation

A disadvantage of opportunity sampling is that it can introduce bias in the sample selection, as it relies on the availability of participants rather than ensuring a representative sample of the population. Participants who happen to be available at a specific time and place may share common characteristics, making the sample not fully representative.

What is random sampling?

• Random sampling is a method where individuals are chosen based on their characteristics.

• Random sampling is a technique used to gather data from a single individual.

• Random sampling is a method of selecting a subset of individuals from a population where each individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

• Random sampling ensures that only the most qualified individuals are selected.

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines random sampling as selecting individuals from a population where each has an equal chance of being chosen, ensuring a representative sample, unlike the other options which misrepresent the concept. It is usually done through a random selection process from the pool of all participants within a population.

What is a key advantage of random sampling?

• It eliminates all forms of error.

• It guarantees a larger sample size.

• It allows for easier data collection.

• It reduces bias and ensures representativeness.

Answer explanation

A key advantage of random sampling is that it reduces bias and ensures representativeness, allowing the sample to accurately reflect the population, which is crucial for valid research results. This is a result of all members of a population having an equal chance of being selected for participation in a study/experiment.

Why might a researcher choose self-selected sampling?

• To gather motivated participants who are interested in the study.

• To gather participants who are randomly selected.

• To minimize the time spent on recruitment.

• To ensure a diverse range of participants.

In what scenario is volunteer sampling most effective?

• When the target population is difficult to reach and reluctant to participate.

• When the target population is easily accessible and willing to participate.

• When the sample size is predetermined and fixed regardless of response rates.

• When the research requires random sampling for statistical validity.