Personal Bias is possible under:

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, Purposive sampling, is the correct answer because personal bias is more likely to occur in this type of sampling. Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental or selective sampling, involves the researcher using their own judgment to select participants who they believe are most appropriate for the study. This method relies heavily on the researcher's discretion, which can introduce personal bias. The researcher may consciously or unconsciously select participants who fit their expectations or hypotheses, leading to a sample that is not representative of the broader population.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Random sampling**: In random sampling, every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. This method minimizes personal bias because the selection process is entirely random and does not involve the researcher's judgment. The randomness ensures that the sample is representative of the population, reducing the likelihood of bias.

3. **Stratified sampling**: Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into distinct subgroups (strata) and then randomly selecting samples from each stratum. This method aims to ensure that the sample accurately reflects the population's diversity. While there is some level of researcher involvement in defining the strata, the actual selection within each stratum is random, which helps minimize personal bias.

4. **Systematic sampling**: Systematic sampling involves selecting every nth member from a list of the population. For example, if you have a list of 1000 people and you want a sample of 100, you might select every 10th person. This method is less prone to personal bias because the selection process follows a predetermined system rather than the researcher's discretion.

In summary, purposive sampling is the most susceptible to personal bias because it relies on the researcher's subjective judgment to select participants, whereas the other methods employ random or systematic processes that help mitigate personal bias.