Master Sampling Techniques in Social Work Research: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

In qualitative research, which non-probability sampling method involves recruiting participants through referrals from existing participants?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of probability sampling technique?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 3

When using stratified sampling, the researcher divides the population into homogeneous subgroups based on a specific characteristic. What is the purpose of this?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that each subgroup is adequately represented in the sample

Answer

To make the sampling process more efficient

Answer

To reduce sampling bias

Answer

To increase the generalizability of the findings

Question 4

Which type of non-probability sampling technique involves selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate? Explain why this technique is commonly used.

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling - it is the most cost-effective and time-efficient method

Answer

Purposive sampling - it allows researchers to select participants with specific characteristics

Answer

Snowball sampling - it is useful when the target population is hidden or hard to reach

Answer

Quota sampling - it ensures that the sample reflects the proportions of different subgroups in the population

Question 5

Purposive sampling is commonly used when researchers are interested in in-depth exploration of a particular issue or phenomenon. What is the advantage of using purposive sampling for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

It allows researchers to select participants who have specific knowledge or experience

Answer

It is less expensive than probability sampling

Answer

It produces more generalizable results

Answer

It is easier to implement than non-probability sampling

Question 6

Snowball sampling relies on existing participants to refer potential participants who meet the research criteria. What is a potential limitation of using snowball sampling?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to sampling bias

Answer

It is difficult to implement

Answer

It is time-consuming

Answer

It is expensive

Question 7

Which type of sampling method is best suited for research studies with large populations where precise estimates are required? Explain your choice.

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling - it ensures that every member of the population has a known chance of being selected

Answer

Convenience sampling - it is the most cost-effective method

Answer

Non-probability sampling - it allows researchers to select participants based on specific criteria

Answer

Quota sampling - it ensures that the sample reflects the proportions of different subgroups in the population

Question 8

Simple random sampling ensures that every element in the population has an equal chance of being selected. What is the advantage of using simple random sampling?

Accepted Answer

It is the most unbiased sampling method

Answer

It is easy to implement

Answer

It produces representative samples

Answer

It is less expensive than other sampling methods

Question 9

Which probability sampling technique assigns equal chances of selection to each element?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 10

For exploratory research, which sampling method is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 11

What is a key advantage of utilizing a sampling frame?

Accepted Answer

Provides a list of potential participants.

Answer

Ensures sample randomness.

Answer

Minimizes the likelihood of sampling bias.

Answer

Facilitates precise estimation of population parameters.

Question 12

What is the purpose of a confidence interval?

Accepted Answer

Estimating the range where the true population value is likely to lie.

Answer

Establishing statistical significance.

Answer

Testing research hypotheses.

Answer

Identifying potential sampling bias.

Question 13

What is a primary advantage of systematic sampling?

Accepted Answer

Ease of implementation and minimal resource requirements.

Answer

Reduced bias compared to other sampling methods.

Answer

Guaranteed representation of the population.

Answer

Sample size proportional to population size.

Question 14

In simple random sampling, what is the defining characteristic regarding the selection of participants?

Accepted Answer

Each member of the population has an equal probability of being chosen.

Answer

Members are conveniently selected by the researcher.

Answer

Researchers can incorporate non-random elements to increase diversity.

Question 15

Which of the following is a probability sampling method, where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 16

What is the primary advantage of using systematic sampling?

Accepted Answer

It is easy to implement and requires minimal effort.

Answer

It ensures that every subject has an equal chance of being selected.

Answer

It is less likely to produce sampling error than other methods.

Answer

It can be applied to any population, regardless of size.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a type of non-probability sampling method?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 18

What is the central purpose of determining the sample size in a research study?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the sample is large enough to provide meaningful and reliable results.

Answer

To minimize sampling variability and increase accuracy.

Answer

To facilitate efficient data collection and analysis.

Answer

To enhance the generalizability of the findings to a wider population.

Question 19

In research involving human participants, what is the primary ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the well-being and ethical treatment of participants throughout the research process.

Answer

Safeguarding the privacy of participants in the study.

Answer

Obtaining informed consent prior to data collection.

Answer

Minimizing any potential harm to participants.

Question 20

How can researchers best minimize the effects of sampling error?

Accepted Answer

All of the above approaches contribute to minimizing sampling error.

Answer

Increasing the sample size can reduce the likelihood of obtaining unrepresentative results.

Answer

Selecting a more representative sample can enhance the accuracy of the findings.

Answer

Employing an appropriate sampling method can help ensure a fair and unbiased selection process.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of using statistical software for data analysis?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to bias, as software may introduce its own algorithms and assumptions.

Answer

Enhanced efficiency, enabling researchers to analyze large datasets more quickly.

Answer

Improved accuracy and reliability, minimizing the risk of human error.

Answer

Expanded capacity for exploring complex relationships and identifying patterns in the data.

Question 22

In research, what's the key difference between a population and a sample?

Accepted Answer

A population is the entire group you're interested in, while a sample is a smaller group chosen from that population.

Answer

A sample is the entire group you're interested in, while a population is a smaller group chosen from that sample.

Answer

A population and a sample are always the same size.

Question 23

When determining the appropriate sample size for a research study, which factor is NOT directly relevant?

Accepted Answer

Budget constraints

Answer

Research question

Answer

Desired level of precision

Answer

Sampling method

Question 24

When choosing a sampling method for a research study, which factor is LEAST important?

Accepted Answer

The researcher's personal preferences

Answer

The research question and objectives

Answer

The size and characteristics of the population

Answer

The available resources and feasibility

Question 25

In non-probability sampling, which method involves researchers selecting participants based on their expertise to include individuals with specific characteristics or experiences relevant to the research question?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 26

Which sampling method guarantees that every participant has an equal opportunity to be chosen?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 27

Which of the following is a probability sampling technique where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Question 28

Simple random sampling provides every member of the population with an equal chance of selection. What is the primary advantage of this sampling method?

Accepted Answer

It reduces bias and ensures representativeness of the sample.

Answer

It is cost-effective and straightforward to implement.

Answer

It allows for easy generalization of findings to the larger population.

Question 29

While convenient, convenience sampling has a major drawback. What is the primary concern associated with this sampling method?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to biased results due to the non-random selection of participants.

Answer

It may be time-consuming and expensive to implement.

Answer

It requires specialized knowledge and expertise to conduct.

Question 30

In simple random sampling, there is a degree of uncertainty associated with the estimates derived from the sample. What is this uncertainty referred to as?

Accepted Answer

Sampling error

Answer

Non-response error

Answer

Measurement error

Question 31

A comprehensive list of the population elements is vital for effective sampling. What is the term for such a list used in research?

Accepted Answer

Sampling frame

Answer

Subject pool

Answer

Population registry

Question 32

Multi-stage sampling designs involve selecting participants in multiple stages. Which of the following is an example of a multi-stage sampling design?

Accepted Answer

Selecting counties from a list of states, then selecting cities within the selected counties, and finally selecting households within the chosen cities.

Answer

Selecting a random sample of individuals from a university.

Question 33

Ethical considerations are paramount in research involving human participants. Which of the following ethical principles is particularly relevant when using sampling techniques?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring informed consent and protecting participant confidentiality.

Answer

Balancing cost-effectiveness with research rigor.

Answer

Maximizing the generalizability of the findings to the larger population.

Question 34

Which probability sampling method randomly selects participants from the population, providing an equal chance of selection for each individual?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 35

Which non-probability sampling method is appropriate for a researcher studying the experiences of homeless youth in a specific city?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 36

Which probability sampling method divides the population into subgroups (strata) based on a specific characteristic and randomly selects participants from each stratum?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 37

Which sampling method would ensure a representative sample of college students for a study on their mental health?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 38

Which sampling method is useful when the population is dispersed over a large geographic area?

Accepted Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 39

Identify the potential limitation of convenience sampling:

Accepted Answer

The sample may not accurately represent the population

Answer

The sample may be too large

Answer

The sample may be too small

Question 40

Which non-probability sampling method involves identifying key informants who refer other potential participants?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 41

Explain the key difference between probability and non-probability sampling:

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling ensures a known probability of selection for each individual in the population, while non-probability sampling does not

Answer

Probability sampling is more accurate than non-probability sampling

Question 42

Which factor should NOT be considered when selecting a sampling method?

Accepted Answer

Availability of funding

Answer

Time constraints

Answer

Research objectives

Answer

Population characteristics

Question 43

What is the purpose of using a sampling frame in research?

Accepted Answer

To identify the population from which the sample will be drawn

Answer

To calculate the sample size

Answer

To select the sampling method

Question 44

Which probability sampling technique involves selecting every nth subject from a list or sampling frame?

Accepted Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 45

Which non-probability sampling technique involves selecting subjects based on their availability or willingness to participate in the research?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 46

Which probability sampling technique divides the population into subgroups or strata based on certain characteristics and then selects subjects from each stratum?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 47

Which term refers to the process of selecting a subset of individuals from a population to represent the entire population?

Accepted Answer

Sampling

Answer

Generalization

Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Research question

Question 48

Which probability sampling technique involves selecting subjects randomly from the entire population?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 49

Which probability sampling technique involves dividing the population into clusters and then selecting a random sample of clusters?

Accepted Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Question 50

Which non-probability sampling technique involves selecting subjects who are known to have specific characteristics or experiences relevant to the research topic?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Question 51

Which non-probability sampling technique involves starting with a few research participants and then asking them to refer other potential research participants who meet the research criteria?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Question 52

Which factors should be considered when selecting a sampling method for research?

Accepted Answer

Research questions, population characteristics, budget, and time constraints

Answer

Sampling technique only

Answer

Researcher's experience only