Drawing a judgmental sample a. allows researchers to use their prior knowledge about the topic. b. enlists the aid of uninformed respondents. c. results in a sample that has no researcher bias. d. ensures a representative sample. e. requires the development of a quota matrix.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: a. allows researchers to use their prior knowledge about the topic.
Explanation:
A judgmental sample (also called purposive sampling) is a non-probability sampling technique where researchers select participants based on their judgment or prior knowledge of the population. This approach is often used when the researcher has specific insights or expertise about the topic and wants to select individuals who are best suited to provide relevant information.
In this technique, researchers intentionally choose individuals who they believe will provide valuable insights, based on certain criteria, characteristics, or experiences. Since this method relies on the researcher’s judgment, it may not be random and therefore may not ensure that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- b. enlists the aid of uninformed respondents: This is incorrect because judgmental sampling aims to select informed individuals based on the researcher’s expertise. Uninformed respondents would not typically be chosen in this method.
- c. results in a sample that has no researcher bias: This is incorrect because judgmental sampling can introduce bias, as the researcher is making subjective decisions about which individuals to include in the sample based on their knowledge or preferences.
- d. ensures a representative sample: This is incorrect because judgmental sampling does not guarantee a representative sample. The sample may not reflect the diversity or characteristics of the larger population.
- e. requires the development of a quota matrix: This is more typical of quota sampling, not judgmental sampling. Quota sampling involves creating a matrix of specific characteristics to ensure representation, but judgmental sampling does not require this type of structure.
Thus, judgmental sampling is useful when specific insights are needed from a targeted group of individuals, often based on the researcher’s prior knowledge or expertise.
