Sampling Techniques

Random sampling- where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
1. Best technique for providing an unbiased representative sample of the target population
2. Very time consuming and often impossible with a large target population
3. eg pulling names out of a hat
Opportunity sample- using anyone is the target population who is available
1. Quick and cheap
2. As it only uses people who are available at this time, the sample may not be representative
3. eg everyone in café 6
Systematic sample- selects pps at fixed intervals
1. eg every 10th person in the list of the target population
2. fairly cheap and fast
3. eliminates possibility of bias
4. researchers need to ensure that there are no hidden bias
Stratified sample- a proportional sampel
1. eg if 70% of the target population were male and 30% were female, your sample needs to be 70% male and 30% female
2. provides a very representative sample
3. Time consuming and expensive

Resource summary

	Created by Eleanor Matthewman almost 11 years ago