Final answer:
Interview research usually employs non-probability sampling methods, which do not give all members of the population an equal chance of participating. Option c
Step-by-step explanation:
Interview research is almost always based on c) non-probability sampling. Non-probability sampling includes methods such as convenience, judgemental, quota, and snowball sampling, where not all members of the population have an equal chance of participating.
This is commonly used when it is not feasible or practical to conduct a probability-based sample.
Let's analyze the given scenarios based on the different sampling methods:
Stratified Sampling is used when the researcher divides the population into subgroups called strata and samples are taken from each stratum. An example of this method is when a soccer coach selects players from different age groups to ensure all age groups are represented on the team.
Cluster Sampling involves dividing the population into clusters and then selecting entire clusters at random for the study. For example, interviewing all human resource personnel in five different high tech companies represents this method.
Convenience Sampling is a non-random method that is based on convenience. An example would be a high school educational researcher choosing to interview 50 high school female teachers and 50 high school male teachers because they are the most accessible subjects.
In specific scenarios where a probability sampling method is used:
The act of a pollster interviewing all human resource personnel in five different high tech companies could either represent a form of cluster sampling if the companies are the clusters, or convenience sampling if the companies are just conveniently selected without a random sampling method.
An educational researcher selecting an equal number of male and female high school teachers can be seen as an attempt at stratified sampling if the genders represent different strata, but if the selection isn't random, it might be more akin to quota sampling, a type of non-probability sampling.
An instructor taking samples from Lake Tahoe Community College math classes by randomly selecting five students from each class is using cluster sampling, since each class can be considered a cluster.
A department store manager measuring employee satisfaction by selecting departments at random is employing cluster sampling if the entire departments are interviewed.
It is crucial for the validity of the research that the sampling method chosen is aligned with the research purposes and ensures that the population is adequately represented. So Option c.