Grade 11: Sampling Techniques

• A survey of 100 randomly selected Grade 11 students requires knowing the sample population
• Samples for qualitative research should follow the concept of saturation
• Simple random sampling is a probability sampling method
• Surveys, interviews, and experiments are used when gathering primary data
• Convenience sampling is easy and economical but not preferred in qualitative studies; it is sometimes called volunteer sampling
• Purposive sampling selects cases to benefit the study based on conceptual and substantive needs
• Probability sampling is rarely used in qualitative research as it is often not feasible
• There is no set minimum sample size for qualitative interviewing
• The main difference is that probability sampling involves randomization
• Lucas used judgment sampling when he chose respondents who could provide needed data
• Snowball sampling is an example of non-probability sampling
• Cluster sampling is a probability sampling method where researchers randomly select groups then engage the population in each group
• Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling method where the sample per stratum is determined and complied, but lacks randomization
• Observations used in research are a method of collecting data
• Generating a list of numbers by picking numbers out of a hat and matching these numbers to names is an example of a random sampling technique
• Cluster sampling is preferred when a sampling frame is not available
• Marisol used snowball sampling by asking people who would be most suited for her study through referrals; it is a type of non-probability sampling
• Random selection is not a feature of qualitative sampling
• Qualitative samples tend to be small and studied intensively
• Qualitative sample selection is driven by conceptual ideas rather than for representativeness
• Participant observation involves intensive interaction between the researcher and subjects
• Retrospective interviews are done to recall and reconstruct something from the past
• Documentary analysis uses books, journals, magazines, art works, songs, and pictures to obtain common themes or constructs for analysis
• A strength of using questionnaires in data gathering is that it is a cheap and easy data collection method
• A weakness of using questionnaires in data gathering is the potential for a ow response rate
• A strength of observations in data gathering is that it yields first hand data, which is rich in validity
• Quantitative data is collected in numeric form
• Official statistics are a type of secondary data
• Interviews and observations are sources of qualitative data
• Questionnaires and surveys are not sources of qualitative data
• Inductive process is a characteristic of qualitative research
• Ethnography is commonly used in qualitative research
• A criticism of qualitative research is that the approach is too rigid and inflexible
• The data will often include text, pictures, videos, and sound recordings
• The most important consideration in selecting a sample is that it is representative of the population
• The first step in selecting a sample is to define the population
• A questionnaire is a tool for data collection
• Quota sampling is not an example of probability sampling
• A Likert Scale is also referred to as a summated rating scale
• Weight is not an example of a discrete variable
• Date of birth is not a continuous variable

Fill in the Blanks

• Synthesizing an RRL demonstrates a synthesis of papers/sources and requires the researcher to integrate the results of their analysis
• A literature review requires critical evaluation and an insightful mind by the researcher
• It also combines and relates information and provides an understanding of the information
• There needs to be points of connection and contrasts to draw conclusions

Additional points

• Research about life on planets requires the essential question: What factors affect a planet's ability to sustain life?
• Convenience samples are used in student research as they take less time and money