Chapter 5: Sampling

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to sampling, its importance, types, methodologies, and ethical considerations.

Sampling

Selecting a subset of elements from the larger population.

Population Parameter

Summary of something in the greater population.

Sample Statistics

Summaries of data gathered from a sample.

Census

Gathering of data from a collective that includes every element of the population.

Advantages of Census

Censuses provide complete data about the population.

Disadvantages of Census

Resource intensive, often to the point of being impossible.

Sampling Error

Error between sample statistics and population parameters.

Biased Sample

A sample that fails to include a particular type of individual or groups.

Unit of Analysis

What or who is being studied and analyzed in research.

Individual Unit

The most common unit of analysis used in criminology.

Geographic Regions

Includes city blocks, census tracks, cities, counties, states, or countries.

Social Artifacts

Tangible social products used in research.

Unit of Observation

Unit from which data are collected to answer a research question.

Ecological Fallacy

Error where conclusions of a group are applied to an individual.

Individualist Fallacy

Conclusions based on an individual are applied to a group.

Probability Sampling

Selecting a subset of elements from a comprehensive list of population.

Sampling Frame

Comprehensive list that includes all elements of the population.

Simple Random Sampling

Known and equal probability of elements being drawn into the sample.

Stratified Sampling

Sampling frame divided into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subgroups.

Cluster Sampling

Clusters are sampled, then unit in each cluster is used to gather data.

Purposive Sampling

Sample selected based solely on a particular characteristic of the case.

Margin of Error

Greatest expected difference between a sample statistic and a population parameter.

Saturation

Search for sources is complete as no new information is found on a topic.

Common Pitfalls

Generalizing findings that are not generalizable and misapplying findings.

Ethics Associated with Sampling

Using an inappropriate sampling approach is unacceptable and wasteful.