Discuss why samples and random sampling are important for sociological research.
What will be an ideal response?
Ans: Varies. Samples allow for researchers to get an accurate number of participants based on the population they wish to study. Researchers want their studies to be as representative of the population as possible so that it best represents the demographics of people that are being studied. Random sampling helps researchers have sample that is unbiased and so that everyone in the population has an equal chance of participating. Large-scale random sample surveys permit researchers to draw conclusions about large numbers of people on the basis of small numbers of respondents.
KEY: Learning Objective: 2.3: Identify key methods of sociological research and explain when it is appropriate to use them.
REF: Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Survey Research
Difficulty Level: Medium
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