QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: descriptive and detailed research that is not in numerical form
Sampling Techniques
SNOWBALL SAMPLING This is a non-probability technique of sampling, where existing participants recruit other particpants that are similar to them. It is useful for recruiting participants that the researcher may think are hard to find, e.g. drug users.
Advantages:
less time consuming
researchers interact with participants they may not be able to contact previously
easy and cost effective
Disadvantages:
can be seen as biased - participants know each other and may be friends
researcher loses control of sample
confidentiality issues
PURPOSIVE SAMPLING The researcher finds specific participants for the aim of the study. For example, going to an Alzheimer's clinic to study people with Alzheimer's.
Advantages:
researcher has good control over the sample
sample is extremely revelant to the study, therefore provides rich information to analyse
Disadvantages:
time consuming
less representative to the entire population
researcher bias - the researcher may look for people who support their hypotheses