Q1 (b) Describe the sampling method used in the study

Random Sampling

• When every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected.
• The aim is to obtain a sample that is representative of the target population.
• It can reduce the chance of sampling bias.

Convenience / Opportunity Sampling

• Gathers participants who happen to be available for study at a convenient time or place.
• It is based on convenience, for both researcher and participant.
• Depending on the nature of the study, it may lead to sampling or researcher bias.

Volunteer / Self-Selected Sampling

• Participants are the ones that approach the researchers and volunteer to participate in the study.
• There is typically some form of marketing that calls for volunteers.
• Participants may have more commitment to the study due to the fact that they volunteered.

Purposive Sampling

• Participants who share characteristics that are relevant and of interest to researchers are asked to participate in the study.
• It may use snowballing methods to gather the sample.
• They may be recruited through a range of methods, including direct contact or referral from someone else.

Snowball Sampling

• A group of initial participants (called "seeds") invite others to participate in the study.
• The sample keeps growing in size until the desired size has been reached.
• It is particularly useful when studying "hidden populations" (people who do not want others to know about them or who are hard to find).