Types of Sampling and Qualitative Sampling Methods: 30 flashcards
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1. What is sampling?
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The process of selecting a subset (sample) from a larger population for study.
2. What are the two main families of sampling methods?
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Probability sampling and non-probability sampling.
3. Define probability sampling.
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Every unit in the population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected.
4. Define non-probability sampling.
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Selection relies on judgement, convenience or availability; selection chance cannot be calculated.
5. What is simple random sampling?
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Every member of the population has an equal chance of selection, drawn like a lottery.
6. What is systematic sampling?
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Pick a random start, then select every $k$-th unit from the list.
7. What is stratified sampling?
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Divide the population into homogeneous strata, then sample randomly within each stratum.
8. What is cluster sampling?
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Randomly select whole clusters and study everyone inside the selected clusters.
9. How does stratified sampling differ from cluster sampling?
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Stratified samples within every group; cluster samples whole groups and ignores the rest.
10. What is convenience sampling?
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Participants chosen because they are easy to reach.
11. What is purposive sampling?
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Participants chosen deliberately for information richness.
12. What is quota sampling?
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Fixed numbers per category, but selection inside each category is non-random.
13. What is snowball sampling?
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Existing participants refer new participants.
14. What is volunteer sampling?
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Participants self-select into the study.
15. Why does qualitative research favour purposive sampling?
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It aims for understanding and information richness rather than statistical generalisation.
16. What is information richness in qualitative sampling?
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Each selected case should teach the researcher something relevant to the phenomenon.
17. What is saturation in qualitative sampling?
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Stopping data collection when new interviews stop producing new themes.
18. What is theoretical sampling?
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Sampling specific to grounded theory where sampling, data collection and analysis loop together to refine emerging theory.
19. What is extreme case sampling?
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Deliberately picking unusual cases to reveal what is normal by contrast.
20. What is maximum variation sampling?
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Picking a wide spread of cases to capture shared patterns across diversity.
21. What is homogeneous sampling?
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Picking similar cases to describe a subgroup in depth.
22. What is critical case sampling?
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Picking the case that, if it holds, is likely to hold elsewhere.
23. What is typical case sampling?
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Picking an average, unremarkable case to illustrate the norm.
24. Which sampling family supports inferential statistics?
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Probability sampling, because selection probabilities are known.
25. Why is snowball sampling used for hidden populations?
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Because a sampling frame does not exist, so referrals from existing participants reach others.
26. What does randomness in sampling strictly mean?
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Every unit has a known, non-zero probability of selection, not just lack of obvious bias.
27. Which sampling method suits populations without a complete individual list?
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Cluster sampling, because whole clusters are selected instead of individuals.
28. Which sampling method is common in fast, low-cost market research?
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Quota sampling.
29. What sampling method does election polling typically use?
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Stratified random sampling to reflect region, age and gender.
30. Why must sampling design match the research question?
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Because the method determines what claims the study can legitimately make.
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