A-Level Sociology (AQA)

Topic Summaries

Research methods

Sampling methods

  • Random sampling: equal chance, representative but hard to achieve.
  • Systematic: every nth person.
  • Stratified: ensures proportional representation of sub-groups.
  • Quota: researcher selects participants to fill quotas.
  • Snowball: useful for hard-to-access groups.
  • Opportunity: whoever is available; quick but unrepresentative.
  • Volunteer: self-selected, may lack representativeness.
    • Sampling frame challenges: access, missing groups, hidden populations

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