Sampling methods psychology

Random

Each member of target population is randomly selected

Random sampling S+L

• Reduced selection bias

• May not represent each subgroup of the target population accurately

Convenience/Opporttunity

Selecting people who are available and ready to participate at a given time

Convenience/Opportunity S+L

• The quickest and easiest way to get participants

• Participants are not chosen randomly so they may not represent target population (selection bias)

Volunteer

Individuals choose to participate in the study

Snowball

Participants already in a study help recruit other participants through their social network

Purposive

Participants are chosen because they possess neccessary characteristics the researchers are looking for.

Volunteer S+L

• Participants are relatively easy to obtain

• Results may not be applicabel to those not willing to participate in the study

Snowball S+L

• Can reach participants that may be difficult to reach

• Participants are limited to a certain social circle

Purposive S+L

• Applicants are ideal for finding the result

• May not represent a target population