Question 1: Define what is meant by a 'sampling method' in sociological research.

Answer: A sampling method is a technique used to select a group of individuals from a larger population to participate in a study, ensuring that the sample accurately represents the population.

Question 2: Name two different types of sampling methods commonly used in sociology.

Answer: Random sampling and stratified sampling.

Question 3: Describe how random sampling works and give an example of when it might be used.

Answer: Random sampling involves selecting individuals from a population so that each person has an equal chance of being chosen. For example, selecting students at random from a school register to survey their opinions on school activities.

Question 4: Explain what stratified sampling is and why it might be used in a sociological study.

Answer: Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups (strata) based on certain characteristics, then randomly selecting from each subgroup proportionally. It ensures representation of all key groups, such as different age ranges or social classes.

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

Answer: Systematic sampling can introduce bias if there is a pattern in the list that affects the selection, such as selecting every nth person, which might coincide with an underlying pattern in the population.

Question 6: Imagine you are conducting a survey of students in a school. The school has 600 students. You decide to use stratified sampling based on year groups. How might you choose your sample?

Answer: You would divide the students into subgroups based on year (e.g., Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, etc.), then randomly select a proportional number of students from each year to ensure all year groups are represented fairly.

Question 7: Draw a simple diagram showing how stratified sampling might be organized in a population divided into three groups: A, B, and C.

Answer: A diagram should depict a large circle or box labeled 'Population,' divided into three sections labeled A, B, and C, with arrows pointing to smaller groups representing samples taken from each section.

Question 8: What is 'quota sampling' and in what situation might it be useful?

Answer: Quota sampling involves selecting participants to fill specific quotas based on certain characteristics such as age, gender, or ethnicity, to ensure the sample reflects the population. It is useful when time is limited and a representative sample is needed quickly.

Question 9: Identify a potential bias that might occur in convenience sampling.

Answer: Convenience sampling may lead to bias because it only includes people who are easy to access, which might not be representative of the whole population. For example, surveying only students in the school canteen may exclude students in other areas.

Question 10: Sketch a diagram illustrating the difference between a random sample and a stratified sample. Use large blank space for your drawing.

Answer: A correct sketch would show two diagrams: one depicting a large circle labeled 'Population' with randomly selected dots representing a simple random sample, and another divided into sections (strata) with samples taken proportionally from each section, illustrating stratified sampling.