Researchers wanted to investigate whether wearing headphones in public spaces decreases a person's likelihood of engaging in everyday helping behavior (pro-sociality).
The study took place in the central plaza of a large university campus during lunchtime. A confederate was instructed to walk towards an oncoming student while carrying a stack of loose printed lecture slides. When the student was approximately two meters away, the confederate "tripped" slightly and dropped all the papers onto the ground, making a noticeable rustling sound.
The researchers used opportunity sampling to select 80 participants. They selected 40 students who were wearing visible over-ear headphones and 40 students who were not wearing any headphones.
An observer sitting on a nearby bench recorded whether the participant helped collect the papers or alerted the confederate, as well as the participant's estimated gender and approximate age.
The researchers in this distraction and helping behavior study used opportunity sampling to recruit the participants.
Explain one strength and one weakness of using opportunity sampling for this study.
638 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Methods. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.