Master Sampling Techniques in Research Methods for Social Work (MSW)

Question 1

Which sampling technique involves selecting a subset of the population that is most readily accessible?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of estimating sampling error in research?

Accepted Answer

To calculate the accuracy and reliability of the research findings

Answer

To ensure the sample is an exact representation of the population

Answer

To identify potential outliers or biases in the data

Answer

To determine the statistical significance of the results

Question 3

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the determination of sample size?

Accepted Answer

The budget available for the study

Answer

The level of precision required

Answer

The variability of the population

Answer

The research design

Question 4

What is the key difference between stratified sampling and cluster sampling?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups based on shared characteristics, while cluster sampling selects groups randomly.

Answer

Stratified sampling selects a sample from a list of all possible elements, while cluster sampling selects a sample from a subset of the population.

Answer

Stratified sampling is used for quantitative research, while cluster sampling is used for qualitative research.

Answer

There is no difference between stratified sampling and cluster sampling.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of systematic sampling?

Accepted Answer

The sampling process is random

Answer

The sampling frame must be complete and accurate

Answer

The sampling interval may bias the selection

Answer

The sample size is fixed

Question 6

What is the fundamental assumption of simple random sampling?

Accepted Answer

Every element in the population has an equal chance of being selected

Answer

The population is normally distributed

Answer

The sampling frame is complete and accurate

Answer

The sample size is large

Question 7

What is the distinction between a population and a sample?

Accepted Answer

A population is the entire group under study, while a sample is a subset of that group

Answer

A sample is the entire group under study, while a population is a subset of that group

Answer

A population is the hypothetical group under study, while a sample is the actual group under study

Answer

There is no difference between a population and a sample

Question 8

The process of selecting a representative subset from a population to learn about the entire population is known as:

Accepted Answer

Sampling

Answer

Data collection

Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Research design

Question 9

Which of the following sampling techniques is used to ensure a sample that is representative of the population with respect to certain characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Stratification

Answer

Clustering

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 10

What is the primary advantage of purposive sampling, a non-probability sampling method?

Accepted Answer

Targeted selection

Answer

Representative sample

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Ease of implementation

Question 11

What is the distinction between a population, the entire group of interest, and a sample, a subset of the population?

Accepted Answer

Population is the entire group of interest, while sample is a subset of the population.

Answer

Sample is the entire group of interest, while population is a subset of the sample.

Answer

Population and sample are identical concepts.

Answer

Population is the target audience for a research project, while sample is the group of participants directly involved in the project.

Question 12

Which of the following is a criticism of convenience sampling, a non-probability sampling method?

Accepted Answer

It may not yield a representative sample of the population.

Answer

It is challenging to implement.

Answer

It is more expensive than other sampling methods.

Answer

It is only适合ble for small sample sizes.

Question 13

What is the purpose of a sampling frame in sampling?

Accepted Answer

To provide a list of all individuals in the population of interest

Answer

To select a random sample of the population

Answer

To calculate sampling error

Answer

To determine sample size

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a non-probability sampling method?

Accepted Answer

The sample size is determined using statistical formulas.

Answer

The sample is not representative of the population.

Answer

The sample is selected based on convenience or accessibility.

Answer

The results cannot be generalized to the population.

Question 15

Which type of sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups (strata) and then randomly selecting a sample from each stratum?

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 16

The sampling error is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The difference between the sample mean and the population mean

Answer

The difference between the sample proportion and the population proportion

Answer

The difference between the sample standard deviation and the population standard deviation

Answer

The difference between the sample size and the population size

Question 17

Which type of sampling is most likely to produce a sample that is truly representative of the population?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Question 18

The primary purpose of a research sample is to:

Accepted Answer

Represent the population and allow for generalizations

Answer

Provide a complete picture of the population

Answer

Test a specific hypothesis

Answer

Explore a phenomenon in depth

Question 19

A researcher wants to study the experiences of homeless individuals in London. They choose to interview people at a specific homeless shelter. What type of sampling method is this?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Stratified random sampling

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of probability sampling?

Accepted Answer

Every member of the population has an unknown chance of being selected.

Answer

It ensures all population subgroups are represented in the sample.

Answer

It allows for the generalization of findings to the larger population.

Question 21

A researcher is studying the effectiveness of a new social work intervention for families affected by domestic violence. They divide the population into groups based on income level and then randomly select participants from each group. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Stratified random sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Cluster sampling

Question 22

What is the main advantage of using a larger sample size in research?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the margin of error and increases the precision of the study.

Answer

It eliminates the need for statistical analysis.

Answer

It guarantees that the sample is representative of the population.

Question 23

A social work researcher wants to study the impact of a new community program on social isolation among elderly residents. They use the electoral roll as their sampling frame and randomly select 100 participants from it. What type of sampling method is this?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling

Question 24

A researcher is studying the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in care. They ask current participants who fit the criteria to refer others they know who might, too. What type of sampling method is this?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Systematic sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Answer

Stratified random sampling

Question 25

What is sampling error?

Accepted Answer

The difference between the sample statistic and the population parameter.

Answer

The margin of error calculated for the sample size.

Answer

The number of participants who refused to take part in the study.

Question 26

Which of the following sampling techniques is most likely to result in a truly representative sample of the population?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Convenience sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Purposive sampling