Sampling is extremely useful in all applications of sociological study; essentially, it would be impossible to study the entire population, and sampling allows us to generalize the large population while only analyzing a small group. While trying to analyze a given population by means of a smaller, representative population, it is important to consider that the best way to sample varies greatly depending on the goals, budget, and intentions of the project. The two major methods of study are qualitative and quantitative, and the two main facets of sampling are probability and non-probability. Probably sampling is primarily used in quantitative studies, and non-probability sampling is mainly used in qualitative studies. Qualitative studies often …show more content…
For this reason, various methods of probability sampling are often more favorable in this realm. There are flaws that can apply to both probability (random) and non-probability (non-random) sampling, which include but are not limited to a participatory group that does not resemble the population, or an audience that has been formed with bias. Either way, these constructed or random participant groups can make for a study which is inaccurate at best. It is necessary for there to be a number of sampling techniques in order to halt situations like this from occurring, as the best option can be selected based on the which appears to be the most applicable to a given study. For example, cluster sampling would be appropriate for a study that seeks to learn about individuals within their social group, whereas it would not be so applicable while attempting to understand a drug addict’s relationship to the entire world. Snowball sampling can be useful in producing a large observable group, but it does provide for a situation which may not lend itself well to progression; not everyone who is willing to participate has friends who are also willing to participate, so such a large reliance on the participants to work with the study means that it may not produce significant results. With this in mind, it is important to consider which option is going to provide the most panoramic and least-biased method of observation when it comes to creating a sociological
According to Schutt (2008), sampling is defined as a subset of population used in a study to be a representation of the population as a whole. My final project is a pre-hire assessment which analyzes potential risky pattern behaviors and emotions in the work place. One of the most important considerations related to sampling that will need to be addressed in my final project is defining the population that will be taking the assessment.
In terms of choosing my sampling method, I chose quota sampling. This is because we chose to survey 30 people in total but divide the group into genders; males and females. Therefore; 15 males and 15 females were surveyed. This was an important sampling method to choose because it was quite accurate. It was less biased as we decided to interview both genders, leading to varied results for our market research team. We also chose to have quota sampling, because it was the most efficient sampling method which gave us the most accurate information we set out to find. I feel it was important to have more than one division; that being males and females. This is purely because males and females have much diverse views and opinions and also priorities such as; males being more interested in booking rooms and assessing the online services, where the females would also enjoy the online services, but would show more interest in the facilities available, therefore it was quite key to find out how each gender progressed through the surveys. I feel that quota sampling is much more accurate than other sampling methods such as random sampling. This is because random sampling will leave the researchers with a range of results, which will be harder to compare or formulate decisions
Luker describes sampling through canonical social science research as a “systemic random probability sample”, with the goal of producing results that can then be apply and a general way. For example, with a research question that focuses on voting in a election, A canonical social science research question may trying to determine how many voters are expected to vote a certain way in a election. By using randomly sampling a certain number of voters could be surveyed the result can provide a general description of the voting trend of an entire populations with similar characteristic as the sample group. While I agree with Luker that sampling is important to both canonical qualitative and qualitative social science research, in the case of qualitative research, the word has different meaning.
Based upon information provided this study was appropriate conducted as a purposeful sampling but, this study
These conditions may affect the generalizability of the study, therefore qualitative research has considered has low population validity (Carr 1994). Moreover, Al-busaidi in 2008 asserted that statistical representativeness is not taken into consideration as a prime requirement and is not commonly sought. As a result, qualitative data collection is inefficiency in time and
In this essay, I will appraise the sampling methods used in the following two case studies:
Probability sampling, also known as random sampling, requires that every member of the study population have an equal opportunity to be chosen as a study subject. For each member of the population to have an equal opportunity to be chosen, the sampling method must select members randomly. Probability sampling allows every facet of the study population to be represented without researcher bias. Four common sampling designs have been developed for selection of a random sample: simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, and systematic sampling (Burns & Grove,
The methodology was described with the data collection method. Quantitative and qualitative questionnaire which consisted of closed questions with a choice of fixed answers and free text to enhance qualitative data were sent out in the form of mailshot, followed by telephone call to non-respondents and it was repeated for more wider sample results to gain more evidence to reduce bias (Parahoo, 2006).
The researchers used purposive sample but did not give any explanation as to why this choice sampling was made. It is essential to describe the sampling process in a research where this facilitates the reader to distinguish any bias in the whole sampling process. In studies using participants, the process of how to select, access, inform and retain research participants requires considerable thought. Sampling is a key issue, because it is
In regards to sampling, the number of participants and associated demographic information was detailed in the analysis. The specific techniques and methods used were provided to include, for example, thematic analysis to determine the four major themes as well as minor themes at both time periods. From the use of thematic analysis it can be inferred that the researched used a data analytic strategy to find patterns in the data and develop themes by developing “codes, words or phrases that serve as labels for sections of data” (Boyatzis, 1998, p.
The first step in any research is to accurately define the population of interest. Intellectual Disability (ID) has been called by many different terms: mental retardation, learning disability, mental handicap, and developmentally delayed. Generally, these terms are accepted as interchangeable (Schalock, Luckasson & Shogren, 2007). However, over time some of the characteristics required to receive a diagnosis of ID has changed. In the recent past, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Metal Disorders Text Revised (DSM IV TR) identified three criteria necessary to be diagnosed with ID. This included: impairments of intellectual functioning (IQ<70) are not necessarily excluded from the diagnosis. By deemphasized the importance of low IQ the as a defining feature of ID the diagnosis expanded its definition to include individual assessed with borderline intelligence and above (fact sheet reference).
The population of interest is a sample of offenders in various (state and federal) prison facilities in the United States. The study will include a sampling pool of both male and females ranging in age 18+. To help with initial involvement, the study will include: a cover letter, a consent form, a pre-demographic and information survey, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. To ensure a response, a reminder and thank you card will be sent to each participant two-weeks after the initial packet was sent.
The greater Cincinnati tristate area consists of 3 states. Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. All of these states contain there own individual attributives as well as unique personalities and groups. These groups can be separated into there own categories. The first being "The Yankees" they come from the most northern area such as downtown Cincinnati. The next group is "The Rednecks" this group consists of farmers from the northern Kentucky area. The last group is "The hippies" which consists of the outer Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area. Each of these groups offer unique skills that insure individuality and diversity in my home town.
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In general, there are several methods for data collection and the different data collection methods provided its own advantages and disadvantages (Sekaran 2003, p. 223). For carrying out the data collection, the appropriate methods should be applied. In the research, the data collection could be done through the interview, for example, face-to-face and telephone interview. To collect the data by using interview technique, the questionnaire is commonly employed as the instrument for gathering data, the questionnaire could be able to distribute by mail or electronic mail. In addition, the data collection could be conducted by observation of individuals with or without audio or video recording. Before choosing the methods for data collection the expertise of the researcher, the degree of accuracy required, time and resources must be taken into consideration. Thus,