Multiple choice questions
Question 1
A sampling frame is:
a) A summary of the various stages involved in designing a survey
b) An outline view of all the main clusters of units in a sample
c) A list of all the units in the population from which a sample will be selected
d) A wooden frame used to display tables of random numbers
Question 2
A simple random sample is one in which:
a) From a random starting point, every nth unit from the sampling frame is selected
b) A non-probability strategy is used, making the results difficult to generalize
c) The researcher has a certain quota of respondents to fill for various social groups
d) Every unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected
Question 3
It is helpful to use a multi-stage cluster sample when:
a) The population is widely dispersed geographically
b) You have limited time and money available for travelling
c) You want to use a probability sample in order to generalise the results
d) All of the above
Question 4
The standard error is a statistical measure of:
a) The normal distribution of scores around the sample mean
b) The extent to which a sample mean is likely to differ from the population mean
c) The clustering of scores at each end of a survey scale
d) The degree to which a sample has been accurately stratified
Question 5
What effect does increasing the sample size have upon the sampling error?
a) It reduces the sampling error
b) It increases the sampling error
c) It has no effect on the sampling error
d) None of the above
Question 6
Which of the following is not a type of non-probability sampling?
a) Snowball sampling
b) Stratified random sampling
c) Quota sampling
d) Convenience sampling
Question 7
Snowball sampling can help the researcher to:
a) Access deviant or hidden populations
b) Theorise inductively in a qualitative study
c) Overcome the problem of not having an accessible sampling frame
d) All of the above
Question 8
Which of the following is not a characteristic of quota sampling?
a) The researcher chooses who to approach and so might bias the sample
b) Those who are available to be surveyed in public places are unlikely to constitute a representative sample
c) The random selection of units makes it possible to calculate the standard error
d) It is a relatively fast and cheap way of finding out about public opinions
Question 9
The findings from a study of young single mothers at a university can be generalised to the population of:
a) All young single mothers at that university
b) All young single mothers in that society
c) All single mothers in all universities
d) All young women in that university
Question 10
The term 'data processing error' refers to:
a) Activities or events related to the sampling process, e.g. non-response
b) Faulty techniques of coding and managing data
c) Problems with the implementation of the research process
d) The unavoidable discrepancy between the sample and the population