Sampling

Sampling is a fundamental concept in sociological research, referring to the process of selecting a subset of individuals from a larger population to represent that population in a study. In the WJEC A-Level Sociology specification, sampling is crucial because it determines the validity and generalisability of research findings. Sociologists cannot study everyone, so they must choose a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the target population, such as age, gender, social class, or ethnicity. Understanding sampling methods allows students to critically evaluate research studies, identifying potential biases and limitations.

The topic of sampling sits within the 'Research Methods' component of the course, which is assessed across all exam papers. Students need to know the strengths and limitations of different sampling techniques, including random, systematic, stratified, quota, snowball, and opportunity sampling. Each method has its own implications for representativeness, practicality, and ethical considerations. For example, random sampling is highly representative but difficult to achieve in practice, while opportunity sampling is convenient but prone to bias. Mastery of sampling enables students to design their own research and critique existing studies, which is a key skill for achieving top marks.

Sampling is not just a technical skill; it is deeply connected to sociological theory. Positivists favour large-scale, representative samples to uncover objective social facts, while interpretivists often use smaller, purposive samples to gain in-depth understanding. Debates about sampling reflect wider methodological disagreements about the nature of society and how best to study it. By understanding sampling, students can engage with these debates and apply them to real-world research examples, such as crime surveys or studies of educational attainment.