Sampling Methods and Considerations

Population

The entire group of invididuals/entities that the researcher is interested in studying

Representative Sample

A subset of the population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the entire population

Ex.) percentage % of girls vs boys

Random sampling

Each member of the population has an EQUAL chance of being selected for the study, Minimizing bias

Convenience sampling (aka opportunity sampling):

selecting participants based on their availability and accessibility which can introduce bias

Ex.) researching a group of students in an art club rather than the whole school

Random Assignment

Every participant has an equal chance or either being in the experimental group / control group

Ex.)

• how you place participants into groups after you’ve chosen them.