Question 1: Define the term 'sampling' in the context of sociological research.

Answer: Sampling is the process of selecting a group of people or cases from a larger population to study, in order to make generalisations about the whole population.

Question 2: Name and briefly describe two different types of sampling methods used in sociology.

Answer: Random sampling: everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected. Stratified sampling: the population is divided into subgroups (strata), and samples are taken from each subgroup proportionally.

Question 3: Imagine a researcher wants to study the opinions of students in a school. Describe how they might use stratified sampling for this task.

Answer: The researcher would divide students into subgroups based on characteristics such as age or year group, then randomly select students from each subgroup proportionally, ensuring all groups are represented.

Question 4: What is a potential advantage of using random sampling?

Answer: It reduces bias and increases the likelihood that the sample accurately represents the entire population.

Question 5: What is a potential disadvantage of using quota sampling?

Answer: Quota sampling can be biased because the researcher chooses the participants within each quota, which may not be representative of the population.

Question 6: Explain why a researcher might prefer systematic sampling over simple random sampling.

Answer: Systematic sampling is easier and faster to implement, especially with a large population, because it involves selecting every nth person from a list after a random starting point.

Question 7: Describe a scenario where convenience sampling might be used, and discuss one limitation of this method.

Answer: A researcher surveys students in their school corridor because they are readily available. A limitation is that the sample may not represent the wider population, leading to bias.

Question 8: Draw a simple diagram showing the process of stratified sampling. Label the key parts of your diagram.

Answer: A diagram showing a large circle labeled 'Population', divided into smaller sections labeled 'Strata' (e.g., age groups, genders). Arrows from each stratum lead to a smaller circle labeled 'Sample', indicating proportional selection.

Question 9: What is the main reason sociologists choose different sampling methods for their research?

Answer: Different methods are chosen to ensure the sample accurately reflects the population, to save time and resources, or to overcome practical limitations.

Question 10: Identify a real-life example where stratified sampling would be a suitable method and explain why.

Answer: Surveying a city's residents about public transportation preferences, dividing the population by districts or age groups, to ensure all groups are proportionally represented.

Question 11: Sketch a flowchart showing the steps involved in selecting a sample using systematic sampling.

Answer: A large rectangle labeled 'Start' leading to a step labeled 'List all members of the population', then a step labeled 'Choose a random starting point', followed by 'Select every nth member', and ending at 'Sample selected'.