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Research Methods and Researching Social Inequalities

Sampling frames, sampling techniques and choosing a sample

  • 5 things to know
  • Component 02

Overview

Recall questions on sampling frames and the sampling process, random, systematic, stratified, snowball, volunteer, opportunity, purposive and quota sampling, the advantages and disadvantages of random and non-random techniques, and the practical, theoretical and ethical factors that shape the choice of sampling technique.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Quota and stratified sampling both divide the population into categories, so what makes quota sampling non-random?

Key term

What is a sampling frame?

Process

Name two practical factors that influence the choice of sampling process.

Key term

How do theoretical factors shape the choice of sampling technique?

Key term

What is stratified sampling?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a sampling frame?

    Model answer

    A sampling frame is a complete list of every member of the research population, from which the sample is drawn.

  2. 2

    Outline the stages of the sampling process.

    Model answer

    The researcher defines the research population, obtains or constructs a sampling frame, chooses a sampling technique, and then selects the sample from the frame.

  3. 3

    What is random sampling?

    Model answer

    Random sampling is selecting names from the sampling frame purely by chance, so that every member of the population has an equal probability of being chosen.

  4. 4

    How is a systematic sample drawn?

    Model answer

    The researcher chooses a starting point and then takes every nth name from the sampling frame, for example every twentieth person on a list.

  5. 5

    What is stratified sampling?

    Model answer

    The population is divided into strata such as age, gender, ethnicity or class, and a sample is drawn at random from each stratum in proportion to its size in the population.

  6. 6

    Describe snowball sampling.

    Model answer

    The researcher makes contact with a small number of participants who then put them in touch with others they know, so the sample builds up through personal networks.

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Murdock identified sexual, , economic and educational functions.
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AVictims may fear reprisal, or feel shame or economic dependence.
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