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GCSE Sociology – Research Methods – Samplingw/b 6th November 2017
Research Methods – Sampling
Learning Objective
• You will be able to identify key terms in relation to sampling.
• You will be able to understand the different sampling methods in sociological research methods
• Be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
• You will be able to answer a research methods question
When conducting a piece of research, it would be impossible to study the entire population. It costs too much and would be time consuming.
Before carrying out interviews or surveys, the researcher must identify the target population or group that they want to study.
Target Population
Sample
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GCSE Sociology – Research Methods – Samplingw/b 6th November 2017
Sampling Frame – how to get to the target population!
Representativeness/non representativeness
What types of samples are there?
1) Random sample – this sample are selected by chance using names out of a hat or computer generated lists and every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen. Strengths Weaknesses
Is it representative?
2) Systematic Sampling. If a random sample is not possible, systematic samples are a good alternative. If your college was the target population, the college roll would be the sampling frame. Systematic sampling could mean taking every 10th name on the list.
Strengths Weaknesses
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GCSE Sociology – Research Methods – Samplingw/b 6th November 2017
Is it representative?
3) Quota Sampling. The researcher makes sure they ask a certain number of different sorts of people. The researcher checks the person they are interviewing is the correct age, gender etc.
Strengths Weaknesses
Is it representative?
4) Snowballing. Is useful for outsider groups – such as criminals. The researcher uses one contact to introduce them to a second contact and so on.
Strengths Weaknesses
Is it representative?
5) Opportunity (or convenience). This means, anyone who is available and willing to take part.
Strengths Weaknesses
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GCSE Sociology – Research Methods – Samplingw/b 6th November 2017
Is it representative?
Check your understanding
Match the term to the correct definition
Quota sample Sampling frame Sample Target population Random sample Snowballing sample Representative Opportunity sample Systematic sample
a) What term means a sample chosen by chance?
b) What term means a small group chosen from the target population?
c) What term means a sample where every tenth name is chosen?
d) The idea that the sample should have the same mix of people as the target population
e) What terms means the people that the researcher is aiming to study?
f) What term means that the sample used were people who happened to be available
g) What term means the place that the researcher gets their sample from?
h) The term used when the researcher is looking for a certain number of particular groups
i) What term means that a researcher uses one contact to find another, slowly building up a sample?
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GCSE Sociology – Research Methods – Samplingw/b 6th November 2017
Extension task – exam practice
Drug Survey completed
The global drug survey will help understand drug taking behaviour
In just over 48 hours over 7,000 people completed the online global drug survey. The survey included people’s views on taking drugs of all kinds from pain killers to alcohol to cocaine. The survey was completed online by volunteers.
The survey, designed by Global Drug Survey and Mixmag in partnership with the Guardian, is very large, and a very useful source of data about what drugs people use, how often they take them, and the effects of taking them.
The only other comparable survey is the British Crime Survey. The British Crime Survey, one of the largest in Europe, finds that roughly a third of its 27,000 respondents admits to taking drugs.
a) According to the item, how many people completed the Guardian/Mixmag Global Drug Survey in its first 48 hours.
b) What does the item suggest is the only comparable source of data on drug use in the UK?
c) Identify two things that the item suggests the survey will discover?d) Explain the meaning of the term random samplee) Outline two weaknesses of the online voluntary sample of people that
the Guardian survey uses.
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GCSE Sociology – Research Methods – Samplingw/b 6th November 2017
Key terms
Target Population – the people the researcher aims to study
Sample – a small group chosen from the target population
Representative – the idea the sample should have the same mix of people as the target population
Sampling Frame – the list where the sample is selected from
Random sample – a group chosen by chance from the target population
Systematic sample – uses a system, e.g. where every tenth name on a list is chosen
Quota sampling – where the researcher is looking for a certain number of a particular groups
Snowballing sample – using a connection with one person, which leads to other members of the group being studied
Opportunity or convenience sample – when a researcher uses the people who just happen to be available
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