Judgmental sampling

Definition

Judgmental sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where the researcher selects subjects based on their judgment and the specific characteristics needed for the study. This approach allows archaeologists to focus on sites or artifacts that they believe will yield the most relevant information, rather than relying on random selection methods. By using judgmental sampling, researchers can prioritize their efforts and resources on locations deemed significant for archaeological investigation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Judgmental sampling is useful in archaeology when time or resources are limited, allowing researchers to make informed decisions about where to excavate.
2. This method can lead to biased results if the researcher's judgments are influenced by personal opinions or preconceived notions about a site.
3. Judgmental sampling can be particularly effective in preliminary surveys when identifying promising areas for more detailed excavation later on.
4. The effectiveness of judgmental sampling depends heavily on the researcher's expertise and familiarity with the area being studied.
5. Researchers often combine judgmental sampling with other methods to enhance the overall reliability and validity of their findings.

Review Questions

• How does judgmental sampling differ from random sampling in archaeological research?
  • Judgmental sampling differs from random sampling as it relies on the researcher's discretion to select subjects based on specific criteria, rather than giving each individual an equal chance of being chosen. In archaeological contexts, this means that a researcher may choose to excavate sites they believe hold more historical or cultural significance, while random sampling might overlook these potentially rich areas. This intentional focus can lead to more meaningful findings but also introduces the risk of bias.
• What are some potential drawbacks of using judgmental sampling in archaeological excavation methods?
  • One potential drawback of judgmental sampling is that it can introduce bias into the research findings, as selections made by the researcher may be influenced by personal beliefs or assumptions about certain sites. This bias can skew data interpretation and limit the diversity of perspectives represented in the study. Additionally, because this method does not involve random selection, there is a risk that significant artifacts or features might be overlooked if they do not align with the researcher's judgments.
• Evaluate how judgmental sampling can be effectively integrated with other archaeological methods to improve research outcomes.
  • Judgmental sampling can be effectively integrated with other archaeological methods by using it as a preliminary tool to identify key areas of interest before applying systematic approaches like stratified random sampling. By first focusing on sites that are deemed most promising based on expert knowledge, researchers can then employ random sampling techniques within those sites to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the artifacts and features present. This combination enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of archaeological investigations, balancing focused exploration with broader data collection strategies.

Related terms

Non-probability sampling: A sampling method where not all individuals have a chance of being selected, leading to potential biases in the results.

Site selection: The process of choosing specific locations for archaeological excavation based on various criteria, including historical significance and potential for findings.

Bias: A systematic error introduced into sampling or testing that can affect the validity of results, often stemming from subjective decisions.