1. Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Psychology Topic 11 Research Methods
Methods of sampling (pp. 136-7)
Learning objectives:
1) To learn the meaning of target population and samples.
2) To learn about techniques to gather a sample of participants: random, stratified volunteer and
opportunity.
3) To learn about the strengths and weaknesses of these sampling methods.
Key terminology: try to write it in your own words! Try to draw a picture or a key word/phrase to help you
remember each in the right hand column.
Task 1:
Target population
Sample
Generalisability
Sampling method
Random sampling
technique
Stratified sampling
technique
Sample error
Volunteer sampling
error
Biased sample
Opportunity
sampling technique
Task 2:

2. 1) In the box at right, draw a picture to
illustrate what is meant by target population.
Task 3:
Identify which sampling technique is shown in each picture.
a) b) c) d)
Task 4:
Complete the table to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of each sampling method.
Sampling type Random Stratified Volunteer Opportunity
Strengths
Weaknesses
Exam questions: 1) Give two strengths of random sampling. 2) Give two weaknesses of volunteer sampling.