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Non Probability Sampling Quiz 26 (8 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of non-probability sampling methods, including convenience sampling, purposive sampling, quota sampling, and snowball sampling. It assesses the ability to identify these techniques, recognize researcher bias, and understand the implications of non-random selection.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Which of the following refers to a nonprobability sample in which the researcher finds and interviews a prescribed number of people in each of several categories?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Quota sample.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, GMAT, Research Methods Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: A quota sample is a nonprobability sampling technique where the researcher selects a prescribed number of people from each of several categories.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing quota sampling with stratified random sampling. While both involve dividing the population into categories, quota sampling does not use random selection within those categories.

Explanations: A quota sample is a nonprobability sampling method where the researcher identifies specific categories (such as age groups, genders, or income levels) and then selects a predetermined number of individuals from each category. This ensures that the sample includes a representative number of individuals from each category, but it does not guarantee that the sample is random or unbiased. The key feature is the prescribed number of people in each category, which aligns with the description provided in the question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Quota sampling involves selecting a prescribed number of people from each category.
Option B: Incorrect. Judgment sampling relies on the researcher's discretion to select participants, not on predefined quotas.
Option C: Incorrect. Convenience sampling involves selecting individuals who are readily available, not based on predefined quotas.
Option D: Incorrect. Stratified random sampling is a probability sampling method that involves random selection within each stratum, not a nonprobability method.
Option E: Incorrect. Simple random sampling is a probability sampling method where each individual has an equal chance of being selected, not a nonprobability method.

Mnemonic: Quota: Quotas for each category.

2. Choose the correct answer about Opportunity Sampling?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Quick, convenient and economical. A most common sampling practice.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, GMAT, Research Methods Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Opportunity sampling is a type of non-probability sampling where participants are selected based on their availability and willingness to participate. This method is often used when researchers need to gather data quickly and conveniently.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that opportunity sampling ensures a representative sample of the target population, which it does not.

Explanations: Opportunity sampling is characterized by its quick and convenient nature, making it a common practice in non-probability sampling. Researchers use this method when they need to gather data rapidly and without the need for a representative sample. This method is economical as it does not require extensive planning or resources.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because opportunity sampling does not make a deliberate effort to ensure the sample is representative of the target population.
Option B: This option is incorrect because opportunity sampling does not ensure that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Option C: This option is correct because opportunity sampling is quick, convenient, and economical, making it a common practice in non-probability sampling.
Option D: This option is incorrect because opportunity sampling is not time-consuming; it is designed to be quick and convenient.

3. This sampling system works like a networking business referral program.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Snowball Sampling.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, Psychology Research Methods, Sociology Research Methods

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances. This method is often used when the population is hard to reach or when the sample size is small.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that snowball sampling is a random sampling method. However, it is a non-probability sampling technique, which means it does not provide a representative sample of the population.

Explanations: Snowball sampling works like a networking business referral program because it relies on existing participants to recruit additional participants. This method is particularly useful when the population of interest is difficult to access or when the sample size is small. The process starts with a few initial participants who then refer others, creating a chain of referrals, similar to how a snowball grows as it rolls down a hill.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Snowball sampling is the appropriate method as it relies on referrals, similar to a networking business referral program.
Option B: Incorrect. Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups and then randomly selecting samples from each subgroup, which does not align with the referral-based approach.
Option C: Incorrect. Purposive sampling involves selecting participants based on specific criteria, which does not involve a referral process.
Option D: Incorrect. Quota sampling involves selecting participants to meet certain quotas, which does not involve a referral process.

4. An NBC television news reporter gets a reaction to a breaking news story by polling people as they pass in front of his studio.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Convenience sampling.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, GMAT, MCAT

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Convenience sampling involves selecting individuals who are easiest to reach or most readily available. This method is often used when time or resources are limited.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse convenience sampling with other types of non-probability sampling, such as cluster or stratified sampling, which involve more structured selection methods.

Explanations: The NBC television news reporter is using convenience sampling because they are polling people who are passing by the studio. This method is convenient and quick, but it may not provide a representative sample of the broader population.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Cluster sampling involves dividing the population into clusters and then randomly selecting entire clusters for the sample. This is not the case here.
Option B: Convenience sampling involves selecting individuals who are easiest to reach or most readily available. This matches the scenario described.
Option C: Simple random sampling involves selecting individuals from the population completely at random, which is not the case here.
Option D: Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into strata and then randomly selecting individuals from each stratum. This is not the case here.
Option E: Systematic sampling involves selecting individuals from a population at regular intervals. This is not the case here.

5. Which one is called non-probability sampling?[2008-JUNE]

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Quota sampling.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, GMAT, MCAT

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where the researcher ensures that certain characteristics are represented in the sample in proportion to their prevalence in the population.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing quota sampling with stratified random sampling, which is a probability sampling method.

Explanations: Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling method because it does not rely on random selection. Instead, it involves selecting participants based on predefined quotas, ensuring that the sample reflects certain characteristics of the population. This method does not guarantee that every individual has an equal chance of being selected, which is a key characteristic of probability sampling methods.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Cluster sampling is a probability sampling method where the population is divided into clusters, and entire clusters are randomly selected for the sample.
Option B: Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling method where the researcher ensures that certain characteristics are represented in the sample in proportion to their prevalence in the population.
Option C: Systematic sampling is a probability sampling method where every nth member of the population is selected after a random start.
Option D: Stratified random sampling is a probability sampling method where the population is divided into strata, and random samples are taken from each stratum.

6. It involves the selection of elements based on assumptions regarding the population of interest, which forms the criteria for selection.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Non probability.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, MCAT, GMAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Non probability sampling involves selecting elements based on assumptions or criteria set by the researcher, rather than random selection.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that non probability sampling is purely random, which is incorrect. Non probability sampling relies on the researcher's judgment and criteria.

Explanations: Non probability sampling involves the selection of elements based on assumptions regarding the population of interest, which forms the criteria for selection. This method does not rely on random selection, but rather on the researcher's judgment and predefined criteria. This aligns with the description provided in the question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Probability sampling involves random selection, which does not match the description given in the question.
Option B: Non probability sampling involves selection based on assumptions and criteria, which matches the description given in the question.
Option C: Stratified Random sampling is a type of probability sampling where the population is divided into strata and random samples are taken from each stratum, which does not match the description given in the question.
Option D: Simple Random sampling involves random selection of elements from the population, which does not match the description given in the question.

7. In this qualitative sampling method participants are defined in advance, but proportions and sample size are not defined.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Purposive.

Exam Relevance: Research Methods, Statistics, Social Science Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling method where participants are selected based on specific characteristics or criteria defined in advance. The sample size and proportions are not predetermined.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that quota sampling also involves defining participants in advance, but quota sampling also specifies the proportions and sample size.

Explanations: Purposive sampling involves selecting participants based on specific criteria or characteristics that are relevant to the research question. The participants are defined in advance, but the exact number of participants and the proportions within the sample are not predetermined. This aligns with the description given in the question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Quota sampling involves defining participants in advance and also specifying the proportions and sample size, which does not match the description given in the question.
Option B: Purposive sampling involves defining participants in advance but does not specify the proportions and sample size, which matches the description given in the question.
Option C: Snowball sampling involves recruiting participants through referrals from initial participants, which does not match the description given in the question.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Purposive sampling is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Purposive: Purpose-driven, not proportioned.

8. Sampling techniques that do not use chance selection procedures and rely on the personal judgment of the researcher are called .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Non-probability sampling techniques.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, GMAT, Research Methods Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Non-probability sampling techniques are methods of selecting samples that do not rely on random selection. Instead, they depend on the researcher's judgment or convenience.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that all sampling techniques involve random selection. However, non-probability sampling techniques do not use chance selection procedures.

Explanations: Non-probability sampling techniques are characterized by the lack of random selection. The researcher uses personal judgment to select the sample, which can introduce bias. This is in contrast to probability sampling techniques, where each member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Probability sampling techniques involve random selection, which is not the case here.
Option B: Non-probability sampling techniques do not use chance selection procedures and rely on the researcher's judgment, which matches the description.
Option C: Stratified sampling is a type of probability sampling where the population is divided into strata and random samples are taken from each stratum.
Option D: Cluster sampling is also a probability sampling technique where the population is divided into clusters and entire clusters are randomly selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is non-probability sampling?

Non-probability sampling is a sampling technique where the selection of participants is based on the researcher's judgment or convenience, rather than random selection.

How does purposive sampling differ from other non-probability sampling methods?

Purposive sampling involves selecting participants based on specific criteria that are relevant to the research question, making it distinct from other non-probability methods that may be more haphazard or convenience-based.

What is the main advantage of convenience sampling?

The main advantage of convenience sampling is its ease and speed, as it involves selecting participants who are readily available and accessible to the researcher.

How is quota sampling different from other non-probability sampling techniques?

Quota sampling involves selecting a prescribed number of participants who meet certain characteristics, ensuring that the sample reflects specific proportions of the population, unlike other non-probability methods that may not have such defined criteria.

What is snowball sampling and when is it used?

Snowball sampling is a method where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances, often used when the population is hard to reach or rare.

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