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Psychological problemsResearch MethodsSamplingData Types
AQA GCSE · Question 17.5
Imagine you have been asked to carry out a follow up study to the 'One day at a time' research.
One of the individual effects of having a mental health problem is the negative impact on physical wellbeing.
The researchers have asked you to find out more about how the negative impact on physical wellbeing affects people with a mental health problem.
You have decided to carry out your study by doing a questionnaire. You plan to use opportunity sampling to select your participants.
In your answer:
- explain how you will select your opportunity sample
- write one question that will help you to collect relevant quantitative data
- write one question that will help you to collect relevant qualitative data.
Imagine you have been asked to carry out a follow up study to the 'One day at a time' research.
One of the individual effects of having a mental health problem is the negative impact on physical wellbeing.
The researchers have asked you to find out more about how the negative impact on physical wellbeing affects people with a mental health problem.
You have decided to carry out your study by doing a questionnaire. You plan to use opportunity sampling to select your participants.
In your answer:
- explain how you will select your opportunity sample
- write one question that will help you to collect relevant quantitative data
- write one question that will help you to collect relevant qualitative data.
How to approach this question
1. **Opportunity Sample**: Recall the definition of opportunity sampling (using people who are available at the time). Describe a specific place and method for finding these people (e.g., approaching people in a specific location).
2. **Quantitative Question**: This question needs to produce numerical data. The easiest way is to use a rating scale (e.g., 1-10) or a closed question with numerical answers (e.g., 'How many days...').
3. **Qualitative Question**: This question needs to produce descriptive, word-based data. Use an open-ended question that encourages the participant to explain or describe something in their own words (e.g., 'Describe...', 'Explain...', 'Tell me about...').
Full Answer
How you will select your opportunity sample:
I will go to a local GP surgery or a mental health support charity and ask people who are available and willing at that time to take part in my study about physical wellbeing.
Question for collecting quantitative data:
On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (very much), how much has your physical health been negatively affected by your mental health in the last month?
Question for collecting qualitative data:
Can you describe in your own words an example of how your physical wellbeing has been affected by your mental health problem?
This question assesses your ability to apply research methods concepts to a new scenario.
- **Opportunity Sampling**: This is a non-probability sampling technique where researchers select participants based on their ease of availability and proximity. It's quick and convenient but can lead to a biased sample that isn't representative of the wider population.
- **Quantitative Data**: This is numerical data. Closed questions, rating scales, and checklists are good ways to collect it. It's easy to analyse statistically.
- **Qualitative Data**: This is non-numerical, descriptive data. Open-ended questions in a questionnaire or interview are used to collect it. It provides rich, detailed insights but is harder to analyse.
Common mistakes
Confusing the different types of sampling (e.g., describing a volunteer sample instead of opportunity). Writing two questions that both collect the same type of data.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Psychology Paper 2
30 questions · hints · full answers · grading
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