A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What type of sampling might lead to an unrepresentative sample?

1. Random sampling

2. Systematic sampling

3. Convenience sampling

4. Stratified sampling

The correct answer is: Convenience sampling

Convenience sampling is a method that involves selecting individuals who are easiest to reach or available, rather than using a systematic approach to ensure a representative cross-section of the population. This approach can lead to an unrepresentative sample because it doesn't account for the diversity within the population. Certain groups may be overrepresented or underrepresented based on their accessibility, which can skew the results and make it difficult to generalize findings to the broader population. In contrast, random sampling ensures every individual has an equal chance of being selected, promoting a more accurate representation. Systematic sampling involves selecting individuals using a fixed, predetermined method, which also aims for representation. Stratified sampling divides the population into distinct subgroups and samples from each proportionally, maintaining representation across different segments. These methods counter the biases present in convenience sampling, making them less likely to produce unrepresentative samples.