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Non Probability Sampling Quiz 7 (10 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of non-probability sampling methods, including convenience sampling, purposive sampling, quota sampling, and volunteer sampling. It assesses the ability to distinguish between non-probability and probability sampling techniques, identify characteristics of non-probability sampling, and recognize the implications of unequal selection chances and self-selection bias.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. You are doing a research on Malaysians and their perception on recycling. You divided the population according to race and choose your sample according to this division. You have a Chinese friend and passes the survey to him to fill the allocation for Chinese participants. What sampling technique is this?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where the population is divided into subgroups (strata) and a fixed number of individuals are sampled from each subgroup. The sample is not random within each subgroup, but rather based on a predetermined quota.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing quota sampling with stratified random sampling. In stratified random sampling, the sample is randomly selected from each subgroup, whereas in quota sampling, the sample is selected based on a quota and may not be random.

Explanations: The scenario described involves dividing the population into subgroups based on race and then selecting a specific number of participants from each subgroup. The sample is not randomly chosen within each subgroup, but rather based on a quota (e.g., a Chinese friend is chosen to fill the Chinese quota). This aligns with the definition of quota sampling.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Quota Sampling is correct because the sample is divided into subgroups and a fixed number of individuals are selected from each subgroup based on a quota.
Option B: Stratified Random Sampling is incorrect because it involves random selection within each subgroup, which is not the case here.
Option C: Purposive Sampling is incorrect because it involves selecting participants based on specific criteria, not based on a quota.
Option D: Snowball Sampling is incorrect because it involves participants recruiting other participants, which is not described in the scenario.

Mnemonic: Quota: Quotas for each group.

2. Which list contains only non-probability sampling types mentioned?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Convenience, quota, judgmental, snowball.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, MCAT, GMAT

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Non-probability sampling involves selecting samples based on non-random criteria. The types of non-probability sampling include convenience, quota, judgmental, and snowball sampling.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing non-probability sampling types with probability sampling types, such as stratified, cluster, and systematic sampling, which are based on random selection.

Explanations: The correct answer is B because it lists only non-probability sampling types. Convenience sampling involves selecting individuals that are easiest to reach. Quota sampling involves selecting a predetermined number of individuals from specific subgroups. Judgmental sampling involves selecting individuals based on the researcher's judgment. Snowball sampling involves selecting individuals through referrals from initial participants.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option includes stratified, cluster, and systematic sampling, which are probability sampling methods, not non-probability sampling methods.
Option B: This option correctly lists only non-probability sampling methods: convenience, quota, judgmental, and snowball.
Option C: This option includes stratified and cluster sampling, which are probability sampling methods, not non-probability sampling methods.
Option D: This option includes systematic and stratified sampling, which are probability sampling methods, not non-probability sampling methods.

3. Which one of the following is a non probability sampling? [2014-JUNE]

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

Exam Relevance: GRE, GMAT, Research Methods Exams, Psychology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Non-probability sampling involves selecting samples based on non-random criteria. Purposive sampling is a type of non-probability sampling where the researcher selects participants based on specific characteristics or criteria relevant to the study.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing non-probability sampling methods with probability sampling methods, such as simple random sampling, which involves random selection.

Explanations: Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling method because it relies on the researcher's judgment to select participants based on specific criteria. This method does not involve random selection, which is a key characteristic of probability sampling methods.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Simple Random is a probability sampling method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. This is not a non-probability sampling method.
Option B: Purposive is a non-probability sampling method where participants are selected based on specific criteria chosen by the researcher. This is the correct answer.
Option C: Systematic is a probability sampling method where every nth member of the population is selected after a random start. This is not a non-probability sampling method.
Option D: Stratified is a probability sampling method where the population is divided into strata and samples are randomly selected from each stratum. This is not a non-probability sampling method.

Mnemonic: Purposive = Purposeful Selection

4. ..... refers to a group of non-probability sampling techniques in which units are selected because they have characteristics that you need in your sample. In other words, units are selected "on purpose" in this sampling.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Purposive sampling.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where units are selected based on specific characteristics or criteria that are relevant to the research objectives.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing purposive sampling with incidental sampling, which involves selecting units that are conveniently available rather than those that meet specific criteria.

Explanations: Purposive sampling is the correct answer because it involves selecting units on purpose based on specific characteristics needed for the study. This aligns with the description provided in the question, where units are chosen because they have the necessary characteristics for the sample.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Purposive sampling involves selecting units based on specific characteristics relevant to the research objectives.
Option B: Incorrect. Incidental sampling involves selecting units that are conveniently available, not based on specific characteristics.
Option C: Incorrect. Stratified random sampling is a probability sampling technique, not a non-probability technique.
Option D: Incorrect. Stratified sampling is a probability sampling technique, not a non-probability technique.

Mnemonic: Purposive = Purposeful selection

5. A store manager surveys customers who happen to be in the checkout line at 5 p.m. This is an example of which method?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Convenience sampling in a time-bound location.

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, GRE, GMAT, MCAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Convenience sampling involves selecting individuals who are easiest to reach or most readily available. In this case, the store manager surveys customers who happen to be in the checkout line at 5 p.m., which fits the definition of convenience sampling as it is based on the immediate availability of participants.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is to confuse convenience sampling with other non-probability sampling methods, such as quota sampling or judgmental sampling, which involve more specific criteria for selecting participants.

Explanations: The store manager surveys customers who are present at the checkout line at 5 p.m. This method is convenient because it relies on the immediate availability of participants, without any specific criteria or systematic approach. This aligns with the definition of convenience sampling, where the sample is selected based on ease of access and availability.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Quota sampling matched to demographics involves selecting participants to match specific demographic criteria, which is not the case here.
Option B: Convenience sampling in a time-bound location correctly describes the method used, as the sample is based on the immediate availability of customers at a specific time.
Option C: Judgmental sampling using expert criteria involves selecting participants based on the judgment of an expert, which is not applicable here.
Option D: Systematic sampling with fixed intervals involves selecting participants at regular intervals, which is not the method used in this scenario.

6. Mrs. Trahan samples her school by posting a flyer in the cafeteria that announces the study and asks for participants.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Volunteer sampling is a type of non-probability sampling where participants self-select into the study by responding to a call for volunteers.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that volunteer sampling is the same as simple random sampling, but in volunteer sampling, participants choose to join the study, which can introduce bias.

Explanations: In this scenario, Mrs. Trahan is using a flyer to recruit participants for her study. Participants who see the flyer and choose to participate are self-selecting into the study. This method of sampling is known as volunteer sampling because the participants volunteer to be part of the study. This type of sampling is non-probability because not every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, and the sample may not be representative of the entire population.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Simple sampling involves selecting participants randomly, which is not the case here as participants are self-selecting.
Option B: Volunteer sampling is correct because participants are self-selecting based on the flyer.
Option C: Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups and then sampling from each subgroup, which is not described in this scenario.
Option D: Systematic sampling involves selecting participants at regular intervals from a list, which is not described in this scenario.

7. A type of sampling method where the researchers conduct their study on people who are available at the time of the study.

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

Exam Relevance: AP Statistics, IB Psychology, GRE Psychology

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Opportunity sampling is a non-probability sampling method where participants are selected based on their availability and willingness to participate at the time of the study.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is confusing opportunity sampling with random sampling, where participants are chosen randomly from a defined population.

Explanations: Opportunity sampling involves selecting participants who are readily available and willing to participate, which aligns with the description provided in the question. This method is often used when researchers need quick and convenient access to participants, but it may not provide a representative sample of the population.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Random sampling involves selecting participants randomly from a defined population, which does not match the description of selecting available participants.
Option B: Opportunity sampling involves selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate, which matches the description in the question.
Option C: Self-selected sampling involves participants choosing to participate, often through voluntary response methods, which is different from simply being available.
Option D: Purposive sampling involves selecting participants based on specific criteria, which is different from simply being available at the time of the study.

8. Which of the following is a key characteristic of nonprobability sampling?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) There is limited knowledge about the larger population from which the sample is drawn.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Nonprobability sampling involves selecting elements from a population without using a random process. This method often results in a sample that may not be representative of the larger population.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that nonprobability sampling is always less reliable than probability sampling. While nonprobability sampling can be less representative, it can still provide useful insights, especially when the population characteristics are not well known.

Explanations: Nonprobability sampling is characterized by the lack of a mathematically random process in selecting the sample. This often means that researchers have limited knowledge about the larger population, making it difficult to generalize the findings to the entire population. The sample is selected based on convenience, judgment, or other non-random criteria, which can introduce bias and limit the generalizability of the results.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is incorrect because nonprobability sampling does not require the sample size to be determined in advance. The sample size can be flexible and determined based on practical considerations.
Option B: This is correct because nonprobability sampling often involves limited knowledge about the larger population, which is a key characteristic of this sampling method.
Option C: This is incorrect because quantitative research can use both probability and nonprobability sampling methods. The choice depends on the research objectives and the nature of the study.
Option D: This is incorrect because nonprobability sampling does not use a mathematically random process to select the sample. The selection is often based on convenience or judgment.

9. Opportunity sampling involves:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Selecting participants based on their availability.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Opportunity sampling is a type of non-probability sampling where participants are selected based on their availability and willingness to participate at the time of the study.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that opportunity sampling involves random selection, which is incorrect. Opportunity sampling is not random; it relies on convenience and availability.

Explanations: Opportunity sampling involves selecting participants based on their availability. This method is often used when researchers need to gather data quickly and do not have the resources for more rigorous sampling methods. The key aspect is that participants are chosen based on their immediate availability and willingness to participate, rather than through a random or predetermined selection process.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because opportunity sampling does not solely rely on participants' willingness to participate; it also depends on their availability.
Option B: This option is correct because opportunity sampling involves selecting participants based on their availability.
Option C: This option is incorrect because random selection is a characteristic of probability sampling, not non-probability sampling like opportunity sampling.
Option D: This option is incorrect because opportunity sampling does not involve sampling a predetermined number of participants from each group; it is based on convenience and availability.

10. Any sampling method where some elements of population have no chance of selection (these are sometimes referred to as 'out of coverage'/'undercovered'),

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) NON probability sampling.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Non-probability sampling involves selecting samples based on non-random criteria, where some elements of the population have no chance of being selected.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that all sampling methods give every element of the population an equal chance of selection, which is not true for non-probability sampling.

Explanations: Non-probability sampling methods do not ensure that every element of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Some elements may be excluded entirely, leading to potential biases. This aligns with the description provided in the question, where some elements of the population have no chance of selection.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Equal probability schemes ensure that every element has an equal chance of being selected, which contradicts the description in the question.
Option B: Probability sampling methods ensure that every element has a known, non-zero probability of being selected, which also contradicts the description in the question.
Option C: Non-probability sampling methods do not ensure that every element has a chance of being selected, which matches the description in the question.
Option D: This option is incorrect as non-probability sampling is a valid method that fits the description provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is non-probability sampling?

Non-probability sampling is a sampling technique where the selection of participants is not based on randomization, and not every individual in the population has an equal chance of being included.

What are some types of non-probability sampling?

Types of non-probability sampling include convenience sampling, purposive sampling, quota sampling, and volunteer sampling, each with its own specific method of selecting participants.

How does convenience sampling work?

Convenience sampling involves selecting participants based on their immediate availability and ease of access, often leading to a sample that may not be representative of the entire population.

What is the main advantage of non-probability sampling?

The main advantage of non-probability sampling is its ease and cost-effectiveness, making it a practical choice when limited population knowledge is available or when resources are constrained.

What are the potential drawbacks of non-probability sampling?

Non-probability sampling can lead to biased results and limited generalizability, as the sample may not accurately reflect the broader population due to unequal selection chances and self-selection bias.

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