Sampling

A sociologist is researching the experiences of young adults (18-25) who participate in online gaming communities focused on niche, alternative reality games (ARGs). These communities are known to be tight-knit but difficult to access for outsiders. The researcher begins by contacting a known gamer who participates in ARGs. After interviewing this participant about his experiences the researcher asks for referrals to other young adults in similar online communities. The researcher continues this process.

• systematic sampling

• stratified sampling

• simple random sampling

• snowball sampling

A marketing team working for a fitness app wants to gather quick feedback on a new workout program. They set up a booth at the gym entrance after peak workout hours. They approach gym members leaving the facility and briefly explain the new program, offering a free trial in exchange for a few minutes of their time to answer some survey questions on a tablet.

• stratified sampling

• snowball sampling

• expert sampling

• convenient sampling

A scientist is researching public opinion on a new environmental policy. The policy will likely affect different age groups in varying ways. To ensure their sample reflects the demographics of the population, they divide the population into subgroups based on age (e.g., 18-34, 35-54, 55+). Then, they randomly select participants from each subgroup in proportion to their size in the overall population. This ensures their final sample includes a representative number of people from each age group, allowing for more accurate analysis of how opinion varies across different demographics.

• stratified sampling

• multi-stage sampling

• cluster sampling

• snowball sampling

A school cafeteria is looking to revamp their lunch menu. To gather unbiased feedback from students, they decide to obtain a list of all student IDs. Then, they use a computer to select a specific number of student IDs from the list. These students will be approached and invited to participate in a taste test of new menu items. Since every student has an equal chance of being selected, this method avoids bias towards certain grades or friend groups and provides a representative sample of student preferences.

• systematic sampling

• quota sampling

• simple random sampling

• expert sampling

You aim at investigating social media use variations among teenagers aged 13 registered at schools in your state (in the USA). First, you make a list of school districts within the state. You select 15 school districts. Then you list all schools within those school districts. You select 10 schools from each district.

• multi-stage sampling

• cluster sampling

• stratified sampling

• systematic sampling

A clothing store with 1000 customers selects a sample group for a new clothing line. They know their customer base is split into two subgroups: 60% women and 40% men. To ensure their sample accurately reflects this breakdown, they should aim for a sample that maintains the same proportion.

• systematic sampling

• stratified sampling

• quota sampling

• cluster sampling

.... sampling is defined as a sampling technique in which the researcher selects samples based on the subjective judgment of the researcher rather than random selection. It is a less stringent method. It is carried out by observation, and researchers use it widely for qualitative research.

• probability

• non-probability

• stratified

• systematic