CAIE A-Level Business AS 3.2.3 Sampling Questions

Explain one limitation to a business of using sampling.

Indicative content

Responses may include:

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

1 mark - for identifying one limitation to a business of using sampling

- The cost of taking a sample

- Possible sample error

- Sample may be unrepresentative

- There may be bias in the sample

- The time taken may be excessive

- The sample may be poorly constructed

- The sample is too small

AO2 Application

2 marks for developed explanation of one limitation to a business of using sampling

1 mark for limited explanation of one limitation to a business of using sampling

- Can be very expensive - if the sample is large.

- Greater risk of sampling error - means data will be inaccurate - wrong conclusions drawn.

- Sample not representative of the target market - if samples are too small.

- Prone to sampling bias - not representative if less care is taken when selecting a sample.

- Might not be practical - if sampling requires many visits across a country - expensive

- Time consuming - if sample is not conveniently located.

- Hard to eliminate bias - when choosing the sample

- Inadequate knowledge in the subject - if the researcher lacks specialised knowledge.

- Small sample size not representative of whole market.

Accept all valid responses