CAIE A-Level Business 3.2.3 Sampling
Practise explaining why businesses use sampling and analysing how sample limits affect the reliability of market research.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Business 9609
- Level
- AS
Exam points
- explain why sampling can make market research cheaper or quicker for a business
- analyse how sample bias or poor representation can reduce research reliability
3.2.3—Sampling question 1
[Maximum number: 3]
Explain one limitation to a business of using sampling.
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
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