Discussion Post: Sampling
It is impossible to study the entirety of any particular population. However, researchers can collect data for their studies from a sample of a particular population. There are two methods of sampling available for researchers: probability sampling and nonprobability sampling. This week, you examine the terminology used for the sampling aspect of research as well as best practices for its implementation. Then you critique a research study's use of sampling in order to further understand the relationship between sampling, causality, and generalizability.
Homework: Research Design and Sampling
Using the empirical research article that your instructor approved in the Week 5 homework, ask yourself: "Is this a quantitative research article or a qualitative research article?" Remember, in quantitative research, the emphasis is on measuring social phenomenon because it is assumed that everything can be observed, measured, and quantified. On the other hand, in qualitative research, it is assumed that social phenomenon cannot be easily reduced and broken down into concepts that can be measured and quantified. Instead, there may be different meanings to phenomenon and experiences. Often in qualitative research, researchers use interviews, focus groups and observations to gather data and then report their findings using words and quotations.
Consider how these different methods affect the sampling design and recruitment strategy, and ask yourself how the recruitment of research participants will affect the findings.
For this Homework, submit 3 to 4 pages paper. Complete the following:
A. Read your selected empirical research article, and identify whether the study is a quantitative or qualitative study. Justify the reasons why you believe it is a quantitative or qualitative study. (Your instructor will indicate to you if you are correct in identifying the research design. This will point you to whether you will use the "Quantitative Article and Review Critique" or the "Qualitative Article and Review Critique" guidelines for the final homework in week 10.)
B. Using the empirical research article, focus on the sampling method in the study and begin to evaluate the sampling method by answering the following:
1. Describe the sampling methods in your own words (paraphrase, do not quote from the article).
2. Describe the generalizability or the transferability of the research finding based on the sampling method.
3. Discuss the limitations the article identified with the sample and how those limitations affect the reliability or credibility.
4. Explain one recommendation you would make to improve the sampling plan of the study that would address these limitations in future research.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Reference
1. Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
a. Chapter 9, "Sampling Issues and Options" (pp. 202-222)
2. Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014).Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
3. Social Work Research: Program Evaluation.
Attachment:- Empiral-Research-Document.rar