Population and Sampling in Research

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes conceptual replication from exact replication?

Exact replication is concerned with generalizability across different settings.

Conceptual replication tests the same construct with different methods. (correct)

Exact replication uses similar operationalization.

Conceptual replication is focused solely on achieving novel findings.

What is the main purpose of conducting a literature review?

To perform statistical analysis on raw data from multiple studies.

To summarize and evaluate published evidence without conducting original research. (correct)

To manipulate variables in controlled experiments.

To conduct empirical studies and gather new data.

Which statement best describes meta-analysis?

It involves qualitative synthesis of individual studies.

It summarizes studies without integrating findings quantitatively.

It combines results from various studies using statistical techniques. (correct)

It is a type of replication that uses identical methods.

What does high ecological validity indicate about a study?

The findings can be generalized to real-world situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge associated with conducting studies in real-world conditions?

It often lacks sufficient control over extraneous variables. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a population from a sample in a research study?

A population includes all individuals of interest to the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of random assignment in a study?

To ensure participants have an equal chance of being assigned to any group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of random selection (random sampling)?

It can be costly and time-consuming. Signup and view all the answers

What does sampling bias refer to in research studies?

The sample may not accurately represent the population. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is random selection most crucial?

When aiming to generalize findings to a larger population. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method ensures that all sub-groups are proportionally represented?

Stratified random sampling. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of cluster sampling?

It may lead to a less representative sample. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about probability sampling is true?

It includes techniques like simple random and stratified sampling. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of purposive sampling?

Participants are selected based on specific features of interest. Signup and view all the answers

Why is convenience sampling controversial in psychological research?

Participants often have specific knowledge of psychology. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the suggested solutions to the issues inherent in convenience sampling?

Collect cross-cultural data. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes quota sampling from other sampling methods?

It targets specific subgroups based on population proportions. Signup and view all the answers

How does generalizability relate to ethical considerations in psychological research?

Unrepresentative samples can lead to ethical concerns regarding justice. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem with using convenience samples in western psychology?

They often draw from a narrow demographic representing a small percentage of the global population. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sampling is particularly relevant to basic psychological research?

Some basic processes do not need to be generalized across populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed method for addressing the shortcomings of convenience sampling?

Understand the differences in results across various populations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Population, Sample, and Generalizability

A population is a group of people researchers are interested in studying.
A sample is drawn from the population to ensure it represents that population. Larger samples are better for representing the population. Samples are usually only one for a each study.
Random assignment ensures each participant in a sample has an equal chance of being selected for a specific condition in a study.
Random selection means each member of the population has an equal chance of being in the study.

Sampling Issues

Sampling bias occurs when the sample chosen is not representative of the population, impacting the ability to generalize findings. How the sample is obtained is very important.
Sampling population involves clearly defining and identifying everyone in the population.
Sampling frame lists the people who can be invited into the study.
Response rate reflects the number of participants who complete the study, which can influence the sample's representativeness. Participants who fail to complete a study might not be representative of the total.
Convenience sampling is selecting participants based on availability.
There are concerns that samples collected in this way may not represent the wider population.

Research Types and Sampling

Basic research aims for theoretical understanding, whereas applied research targets problem-solving.
Random selection is crucial for generalizing results to a larger population.
Probability sampling methods (simple random, stratified, and cluster) use randomization.
Non-probability sampling methods (convenience, purposive, and quota) rely on subjective selection criteria.

Generalizability in Psychology

Convenience samples are common in psychology, but their generalizability may be limited.
Researchers need to consider whether these samples are representative of larger populations.
Basic research needs good reasons for using convenience samples, and the results should be replicated.
Ethical issues related to samples are important for ensuring justice and fairness in research.

Generalizability Issues and Solutions

Problems with generalizability often arise from sampling methods used in research. Solutions include collecting data from different populations, doing replications of studies, examining the differences among sexes and genders, etc.
Statistical analysis is often used to assess whether collected samples are generalizable. Additional considerations like cross-cultural studies can improve the potential for generalizability.
Replication is a crucial part of ensuring that findings in one study can be generalized to other studies, increasing the reliability and generalizability of research. Direct and conceptual replication methods are useful for addressing this.
The choice of sampling technique influences the ability to generalize research findings to broader contexts.

Ecological Validity

Ecological validity refers to the extent to which findings from a study can be generalized to real-world situations.
Real-world studies may offer higher validity but may be hard to do.
Studies in controlled environments might be easier to run but may offer lower ecological validity.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to population, samples, and the importance of generalizability in research studies. Understand the roles of random assignment and selection, as well as issues related to sampling bias. Test your knowledge on how to effectively identify and engage with different populations in research.