Sampling
The process of selecting a representative group from the population under study
Sample
The participants selected from a target population to make generalizations about
Representative
The extent to which a sample mirrors a researcher’s target population and reflects its characteristics
Generalisability
The extent to which findings can be applied to the larger population of which the sample was a part
Volunteer sample
Participants who self-select through various means like newspaper adverts or online
Opportunity sampling
Also known as convenience sampling, using available and willing participants
Random sampling
Every person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected
Systematic sampling
Selecting participants using a system, such as picking every Nth person
Stratified sampling
Identifying subgroups and selecting participants in proportion to their occurrences
Snowball sampling
Finding initial participants who then refer more participants
Quota sampling
Ensuring the sample fits specific quotas, like a certain number of unemployed participants