Social theory exam 2

Sampling

The process of deciding what or whom to observe particularly when we cannot observe anything or everyone

• Heterogeneous opinions in any population

• Limited resources

Probability sampling

Type of sampling where the sample is selected on probability

• Typically involves some random selection mechanism

• Large representative samples

• Key characteristics

  • Selection through random choice

  • Everyone has an equal probability of selection

Benefits of probability sampling

• Representativeness→ a sample has the same distribution of characteristics as the population from which it was selected

• Generalizable→ degree to which you can apply the results of your study to a broader context

• Cost efficient

• Avoids bias→ can be conscious or unconscious, those selected may not be typical or representative of the larger population

• Margin of error→ the degree to which a sample average differs from the population average

Size of margin

Larger sample → smaller margin of error → closer approximation to true population

Identifying population

Group we are interested in generalizing

Establishing sampling frame

The list of units composing your population

Use random selection to sample your elements

Individual units comprising your sample

Simple random sampling

• Pulling names out of a hat

• equal probability of selection

• Random number generator chooses people

Systematic sampling

Pick every k^th observation, fixed interval as to who is being chosen (based of scramble data)