Types of Sampling and Qualitative Sampling Methods: 31 flashcards
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1. What is sampling?
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Selecting a small group (sample) from a larger group (population) to study and draw conclusions about the whole.
2. What is a population in research?
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The entire large group that the researcher wants to study and draw conclusions about.
3. What is a sample?
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The small group actually selected and studied from the population.
4. What defines probability sampling?
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Every member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected — selection is random.
5. What defines non-probability sampling?
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Selection is based on the researcher's judgement, convenience, or purpose — not random chance.
6. What is simple random sampling?
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Every individual in the population has an equal chance of being picked, using a lottery or random number method.
7. What is systematic sampling?
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Selecting every $k$-th item from a list, where $k = \text{population} / \text{sample size}$.
8. What is stratified sampling?
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Dividing the population into strata (groups) by a shared trait, then randomly sampling from each stratum.
9. What is cluster sampling?
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Dividing the population into clusters, randomly selecting a few clusters, and studying everyone inside them.
10. What is convenience sampling?
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Picking whoever is easiest to reach — quick but biased.
11. What is purposive sampling?
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Deliberately choosing participants who fit the research purpose or specific criteria.
12. What is quota sampling?
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Fixing a target number of people per category in advance, then filling those quotas by any means.
13. What is snowball sampling?
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Existing participants refer new participants from their network — good for hidden populations.
14. What is theoretical sampling?
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Used in grounded theory — the next participants are chosen based on emerging findings from data already collected.
15. What is maximum variation sampling?
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Deliberately choosing very different cases (rich/poor, urban/rural) to capture the widest range of experiences.
16. What is extreme/deviant case sampling?
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Studying unusual or outlier cases to learn what makes them different from the norm.
17. What is the goal of qualitative research sampling?
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Depth, meaning, and rich understanding — not statistical generalisation.
18. How large are qualitative samples usually?
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Small but information-rich — often 10 to 30 participants.
19. What is the key difference between stratified and cluster sampling?
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Stratified = some from every group; cluster = everyone from some groups.
20. What is the formula for proportional stratified sample size?
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$n_h = n \times \frac{N_h}{N}$, where $N_h$ is the stratum size and $N$ is the population size.
21. Which sampling family supports generalisation?
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Probability sampling — because random selection makes the sample representative.
22. Which sampling family supports understanding?
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Qualitative (non-probability) sampling — because it aims for depth and meaning.
23. Give a real-life example of stratified random sampling.
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Election polls use stratified random sampling so every region and community is represented.
24. Give a real-life example of random sampling.
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Medical trials use random sampling to fairly test a drug's effect.
25. What sampling methods does market research often use?
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Convenience and quota sampling — for speed and quick product testing.
26. What is the common mistake students make about stratified and cluster sampling?
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Confusing them. Remember: stratified = a few from all; cluster = all from a few.
27. Why not study the entire population?
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Because it is usually too costly, too slow, and sometimes impossible.
28. What does the sampling method need to match?
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The research question — whether you need numbers or meaning.
29. What is the formula for systematic sampling interval $k$?
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$k = \text{population} / \text{sample size}$
30. Which sampling method is unique to grounded theory?
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Theoretical sampling — data collection and analysis happen simultaneously.
31. What is the difference between probability and non-probability sampling in one line?
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Probability uses random selection; non-probability uses judgement or convenience.
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