week 3

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary disadvantage of non-probability sampling methods?

They are typically more time-consuming.

They are overly complex to execute.

They are less reliable in terms of representativeness. (correct)

They require extensive knowledge of the population.

Which of the following is an example of a non-probability sampling method?

Random sampling

Systematic sampling

Snowball sampling (correct)

Stratified sampling

What key aspect is emphasized in both the lecture and chapters regarding survey and sampling design?

Bias should be minimized, especially in probability sampling.

Surveys should be lengthy to cover all topics.

Randomness is essential in ensuring representative samples. (correct)

Sampling should be based solely on participant willingness.

Which type of survey format was discussed in Chapter 5?

Interviews versus questionnaires Signup and view all the answers

What common issue in survey design is highlighted in the content?

Question clarity can affect response bias. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to sampling error in research?

The sample not reflecting population characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method guarantees each member of a population has an equal chance of being selected?

Simple random sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of using a larger sample size?

Increased costs and resource demands Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have higher response rates in sampling?

It improves the representation of the sample Signup and view all the answers

What defines a population in research?

All individuals within a target demographic Signup and view all the answers

Why might researchers use non-probability sampling methods?

Due to time or resource constraints Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of probability sampling?

Every member has a known and equal chance of selection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes stratified sampling?

Dividing the population into subgroups and sampling from each subgroup. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a sampling element in research?

It is a single case within the population Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with convenience sampling?

It increases the likelihood of bias Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes snowball sampling from other non-probability methods?

It relies on initial participants to recruit additional participants. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method may introduce significant biases due to its reliance on accessibility?

Convenience sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk when using non-probability sampling methods?

Dependency between selected participants. Signup and view all the answers

What does systematic sampling involve?

Selecting every kth individual from a list. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sampling is likely to lead to biases due to non-random selection of participants?

Quota sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge associated with probability sampling?

It may face issues with incomplete or outdated sampling frames. Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using interviews in survey design?

Greater control and ability to probe deeper Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question is most suitable for exploratory research?

Open-ended questions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using close-ended questions in surveys?

They restrict the depth of responses Signup and view all the answers

Which administration method is best known for being quick and cost-effective?

Telephone interviews Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration when designing survey questions?

Avoiding ambiguous wording Signup and view all the answers

Why are vignettes used in survey research regarding sensitive topics?

To encourage honest responses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using proper sampling techniques in quantitative research?

To minimize bias and enhance validity Signup and view all the answers

What effect does placing sensitive questions towards the beginning of a survey have?

It may lead to refusals or biased answers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Survey Design

Survey design selects best data collection methods (structured interviews, self-administered questionnaires).
Interviews offer control and probing, but introduce interviewer bias.
Questionnaires allow anonymity and standardization, lacking interaction.
Open-ended questions allow free-form answers, helpful for exploratory research, difficult to quantify.
Close-ended questions offer pre-defined choices, easier to standardize and analyze.
Ambiguous wording and double-barreled questions should be avoided.
Maintain brevity in questions to sustain respondent focus.
Place sensitive questions later to build rapport.
Consider response patterns and social desirability biases.

Survey Administration

Telephone interviews are quick and cost-effective but lack depth.
Face-to-face interviews provide richer data but are resource-intensive.
Online surveys are convenient but may have engagement issues.
Pre-testing helps minimize recall bias and ambiguity in questions.
Vignettes can encourage honest responses to sensitive topics.
Consider utilizing secondary analysis (existing data) but acknowledge its potential limitations.

Quantitative Sampling

Crucial for selecting representative samples allowing findings to be generalised to a larger population.
Sampling selects a subset instead of the whole population for study.
Proper techniques minimize bias and enhance findings' validity.
Probability sampling (random selection) is key.
Simple random sampling gives every member an equal chance of selection.
Systematic sampling selects every kth member from a list.
Stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups for random sampling from each.
Multi-stage cluster sampling randomly selects groups first, then individuals within those.

Non-Probability Sampling

Less rigorous, doesn't involve random selection, often used when probability sampling is impractical.
Convenience sampling uses readily available participants, introducing potential bias.
Snowball sampling uses initial participants to recruit others, creating dependence and bias.
Quota sampling selects participants based on specific quotas reflecting population characteristics.

Sampling Challenges

Sampling error occurs if the sample inaccurately represents the population.
Larger sample sizes generally improve reliability and accuracy, but come with increased costs.
Higher response rates are crucial; strategies like follow-ups or incentives improve response rates.

Lecture 3: Populations and Sampling

A population is a complete group for research, like all university students.
A sampling element is a single case within a population.
A sample is a representative subset of a population.
Clear population definition is crucial; e.g., a study on married couples should exclude unmarried individuals.
Probability sampling (random selection), like simple random sampling, minimizes bias.
Non-probability sampling methods, like convenience sampling, are often used due to resource/time constraints. These methods come with the risk of bias.
Clearly defining the population and appropriate sampling methods (probability or non-probability) are important in a survey.

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