Sampling

Starter http://www.quia.com/jg/2702395.html

The research process What is the next step? Once a sociologist has decided what they want to research. What is the next step?

Whenever a sociologist starts a piece of research, they always have in mind a group of people they want to study. These people, whoever they may be, are known as the target population and are, in effect, everyone in a particular group you would like to research.

TARGET POPULATION Your target population might be a small bottom set class of 10 students. On the other hand, your target population might be the 36,000 football fans who attend Tottenham Hotspur’s home games at White Hart Lane. What are the potential strengths and weaknesses of each target population?

Sampling is needed. But how do you choose your sample/what is the main aim?

Representativeness

Sample frame The process of choosing who and how many to ask

The sample frames --random sample -systematic sample -stratified sample -non representative sample -snowball -opportunity

Random sample

Strengths and weaknesses? Random sample Strengths and weaknesses?

Systematic sample

Strengths and weaknesses? Systematic sample Strengths and weaknesses?

Stratified sample

Strengths and weaknesses? Stratified sample Strengths and weaknesses?

Non representative sample

Strengths and weaknesses? Non representative sample Strengths and weaknesses?

Snowball sample

Strengths and weaknesses? Snowball sample Strengths and weaknesses?

Opportunity sample

Strengths and weaknesses? Opportunity sample Strengths and weaknesses?

KNOWLEDGE CHECK Consider what sample frame you would use for the following research scenarios: To find out why bullying takes place in school Why students join anti school subcultures Parental attitudes towards their children’s education The experience of ethnic minority students in school Why some schools fail Ofsted Labelling of students

Extension Page 99 questions to try