Research Methods

Sampling Techniques

Sampling is the process by which a researcher takes a smaller group from the target population she/he is interested in studying. The sampling technique is the method employed to do this. The idea is that a researcher tries to make their sample as representative of the target population as possible in order that generalisations can be made to the wider population.

This straightforward YouTube video outlines a range of different sampling techniques and draws out key vocabulary such as representativeness and target population:

Students could be asked to identify and define the key methodological concepts included in the video into a glossary.

 

More Resources from Discovering Sociology


The Legacy of Thatcherism

..

Politics Teacher Resource

Pressure Groups

Pressure groups play a key role in the political system. They tend..

Politics Teacher Resource

Absolutism

Absolutism is a political theory that suggests that power should b..

Politics Teacher Resource

Anarchism

The infamous ‘Anarchy in the UK’ by the Sex Pistols could be playi..

Politics Teacher Resource

Conservatism

A good overview of conservatism is provided by the Encyclopaedia B..

Politics Teacher Resource

Elite Theory

Elite theory is the notion that power is concentrated in the hands..

Politics Teacher Resource

Introduction to the Political System

A range of resources are available to help with an introductory se..

Politics Teacher Resource

Liberalism

Here students could be set the task of ‘teaching the teacher’ on l..

Politics Teacher Resource

Pluralism

Robert Dahl (1961) suggested that modern societies are characteris..

Politics Teacher Resource

Political Protest

Political protests have and do exist on a continuum from the peace..

Politics Teacher Resource