Define the term 'random sampling'.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] Random sampling is a sampling method in which members of the population are chosen at random. All members of a group or population have an equal chance of being selected.
2. [3] (Benefits of quota sampling include) It ensures that the sample is chosen to be representative of all the strata in the population.
3. [3] It is quicker to collect information from a quota sample as less individuals need to be contacted therefore results can be processed more rapidly to give the company information to act on.
4. [3] Easier and more practical to collect information from a small number of individuals rather than a larger random sample especially when the whole population is large and spread over wide geographic region therefore keeping down costs and speeding up research.
5. [3] It is cheaper to collect data from a smaller number of people as less researchers are needed therefore the cost of wages is reduced.
6. [3] Allows more detailed information to be collected and analysed in the time allowed because the quality of interviewing can be better as there are less people to question.