Deck 8: Sampling Strategies

Question 1

Proper sampling procedures allow researchers to use a smaller number of research participants instead of the whole population, which saves time and resources.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Despite the sampling error, a sample can be generalized to the population if the sample is obtained following standardized procedures.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

One major benefit of using probability sampling over nonprobability sampling is that researchers can control mortality of research participants.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Simple random sampling can be used only when a list of the total population is available.

Question 5

Probability sampling strategies include simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, multistage stratified random sampling, systematic sampling, and quota sampling.

Question 6

Systematic sampling can be either a probability or nonprobability sampling strategy.

Question 7

Nonprobability sampling strategies include convenience sampling, quota sampling, purposeful sampling, and snowball sampling.

Question 8

Study findings based on convenience sampling suffer from selection bias; therefore, convenience sampling strategy may not produce extremely scientific information.

Question 9

As quota sampling does not use randomization, researchers who rely on quota sampling do not know if the sample selected represents the population.

Question 10

Which of the following is false about sampling?

A) It is less expensive to study a selection of a large group instead of the entire group.
B) A sample can represent the study population if it is properly selected, following standardized procedures.
C) If sampling procedures are properly conducted, there is no difference between the sample and the population.
D) none of the above

Question 11

Which of the following is false regarding sampling error?

A) Rarely does a selected sample perfectly represents the population.
B) The differences between the sample and the population refer to sampling error.
C) Sampling techniques are developed to minimize the inherent inaccuracy of sampling.
D) Because of sampling error, any findings based on samples cannot be generalized to the population.

Question 12

Which of the following is most affected by sampling techniques?

A) Internal validity
B) External validity
C) Reliability
D) Sample size

Question 13

Which of the following is false regarding probability/nonprobability sampling?

A) Probability sampling utilizes random selection of the population to ensure equal chance of representation in the sample.
B) Nonprobability sampling does not use random selection when selecting the sample.
C) Program or agency evaluations are based on probability sampling.
D) None of the above

Question 14

Which of the following is false regarding probability/nonprobability sampling?

A) Compared to nonprobability sampling methods, probability sampling techniques are more likely to increase the representativeness of a sample selected.
B) In general, probability sampling is preferred for quantitative research because probability sampling strategies allow researchers to use more powerful and inferential statistical analyses.
C) The research topic under consideration and the goals of the research determine which strategy is the most appropriate.
D) Because nonprobability sampling has weak generalizability, nonprobability sampling strategies should not be used in criminology and criminal justice.

Question 15

The defining feature of a probability sample is the use of __________, allowing equal chance of representation from the total population to be included in the sample.

A) Randomization
B) Subpopulation
C) Volunteers
D) Telephone directories

Question 16

Which of the following is a method of randomization to select a probability sample?

A) Computer software
B) Table of random numbers
C) Random digit dialing
D) All of the above

Question 17

Which of the following is false regarding simple random sampling?

A) Each element of the population has to be given a number; therefore, the use of simple random sampling depends on the availability of a valid list of the entire population.
B) After assigning numbers to all elements in the population, researchers use a table of random numbers.
C) Random digit dialing is also used to select simple random samples; however, it is not a perfect strategy because the strategy may not include people who do not have a telephone.
D) None of the above

Question 18

A researcher wants to compare students' grade point averages based on a student's year in college: freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior. If the researcher also wants to have a probability sample with the equal number of students in each category, what might be the best way?

A) Simple random sampling
B) Stratified random sampling
C) Cluster sampling
D) Quota sampling

Question 19

Which probability sampling is the most appropriate when studying voting behavior comparing neighborhoods or zip code zones?

A) Simple random sampling
B) Stratified random sampling
C) Cluster sampling
D) Quota sampling

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of multistage stratified cluster sampling?

A) Uniform Crime Reports
B) National Crime Victimization Survey
C) National Incident-Based Reporting System
D) None of the above

Question 21

__________ sampling refers to a sampling method that takes every nth person of the population list.

A) Simple random
B) Stratified
C) Systematic
D) Quota

Question 22

Which of the following is false regarding nonprobability sampling?

A) Researchers use nonprobability sampling only after they make all efforts to have a probability sample.
B) Nonprobability sampling is used when the research goal is to study a specific sample or when a complete list of the total population is not available.
C) In the field of criminology and criminal justice, a full list of criminals is often unavailable, which leads to the frequent use of nonprobability sampling.
D) Limited time and resources also force researchers to use nonprobability samples.

Question 23

__________ sampling refers to the sampling technique that utilizes preexisting, easily accessible participants who are not randomly selected, but simply chosen because of availability.

A) Convenience
B) Quota
C) Purposeful
D) Snowball

Question 24

A university professor utilizes the students who happened to be enrolled in his class as a study population. This is an example of __________ sampling.

A) convenience
B) quota
C) purposeful
D) snowball

Question 25

__________ sampling is designed to assure that a convenience sample is representative of the study population.

A) Convenience
B) Quota
C) Simple random
D) Snowball

Question 26

Which of the following is true regarding quota sampling?

A) As quota sampling makes an effort to represent the population, it is a type of probability sampling.
B) Quota sampling is similar to randomized stratified sampling, but is less rigorous and does not use randomization.
C) Despite the absence of randomization, researchers who use quota sampling can predict if the sample selected is representative of the population.
D) All of the above

Question 27

__________ sampling refers to the sampling strategy where research participants are specifically chosen for participation. For example, researchers may study correctional officers' job satisfaction at a specific prison.

A) Convenience
B) Quota
C) Purposeful
D) Snowball

Question 28

__________ sampling is a nonprobability sampling strategy when researchers have one or more participants introduce more participants, who then introduce more, and this continues until a large enough sample is acquired.

A) Convenience
B) Quota
C) Purposeful
D) Snowball

Question 29

Which of the following is false regarding snowball sampling?

A) Snowballing sampling is a type of nonprobability sampling.
B) Snowballing sampling can provide access to many subversive populations.
C) Snowballing sampling requires strong interpersonal skills that enable researchers to effectively convey the value of the research to participants.
D) None of the above

Question 30

__________ is the means by which researchers select a portion of the total population to be studied as opposed to studying the entire group.

Question 31

__________ means that there are normally differences between the sample and the study population.

Question 32

In sampling, __________ means that each element in the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample.

Question 33

__________ is the most basic probability sampling by ensuring everyone in the population has equal chance of selection.

Question 34

__________ divides the population into specific group characteristics and then draws a random sample from each group.

Question 35

__________ helps ensure that desired characteristics that are less common are included in the sample.

Question 36

__________, known as area probability sampling, is especially useful when handling large populations located in a large geographic area.

Question 37

__________ allows categories in the stratified sample to be further subdivided to ensure equal representation of participants who might not be selected for participation otherwise.

Question 38

__________ is a method of selecting a sample from the population by using a random starting point and then following that pattern until a sufficient sample is drawn.

Question 39

__________ is the simplest nonprobability sampling technique. Researchers study only readily available participants.

Question 40

__________ is a type of convenience sampling, but efforts are made to keep selecting participants until a certain number is actually filled.

Question 41

__________ occurs when researchers have decided the characteristics of interest for the research and intentionally seeks out those types of research participants.

Question 42

__________ occurs when researchers cannot gain access to a targeted population or when the desired sample is secretive.