A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What is a possible issue with random sampling?

1. It guarantees representativeness

2. Every member has an equal chance of selection

3. Some individuals may refuse to participate

4. It eliminates bias completely

The correct answer is: Some individuals may refuse to participate

The selection of the option regarding individuals refusing to participate highlights a significant concern associated with random sampling techniques. Even though random sampling aims to provide every member of a population with an equal chance of being chosen in order to achieve a representative sample, there are practical implications that can affect the outcome. When individuals choose not to participate, it can introduce a source of bias, as their absence may not reflect the overall population's characteristics. For instance, if certain demographics are less likely to agree to participate, the resulting sample may miss important perspectives, leading to potential skewing of the data. This non-response bias can ultimately compromise the representativeness that random sampling strives for, undermining the validity of the research findings. The other options present points that mischaracterize the nature of random sampling. While it aims for every member to have an equal chance of selection, it does not guarantee actual representativeness due to practical challenges like non-response. Additionally, the assertion that random sampling eliminates bias completely is misleading, as it cannot account for all external influences that may affect the sample's characteristics.