Quantitative Sampling Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common source of evidence in research, and what two terms are used to refer to it?

Individuals are the most common source of evidence, often called "participants" or "subjects."

What is the term used to refer to the collective group of individuals from whom data is collected?

A "sample."

In quantitative research, what are the two main types of sampling procedures?

Random sampling and non-random sampling
Simple random sampling and stratified random sampling
Quantitative sampling and qualitative sampling
Probability sampling and non-probability sampling (correct)

What is a defining characteristic of probability sampling, and what is its goal?

A known probability of selection and aims to select a sample representative of a larger group for generalization of the results. Signup and view all the answers

Define "margin of error" in sampling.

The extent to which repeated random samples will deviate from the population. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the margin of error when the sample size increases?

The margin of error decreases. Signup and view all the answers

Name three types of random sampling techniques.

Simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified random sampling (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does simple random sampling work?

Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Signup and view all the answers

What is "non-response" in sampling?

The problem of randomly selected participants not completing the research. Signup and view all the answers

What is systematic sampling?

Selecting every nth member of a list or population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of stratified random sampling?

To ensure that subgroups (strata) within a population are proportionally represented in the sample. Signup and view all the answers

How does cluster sampling work, and what are typical examples?

Naturally occurring groups (e.g., schools, districts) are randomly selected first, then subjects are randomly selected from those groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of non-probability sampling?

The probability of selecting a participant is unknown. Signup and view all the answers

How are participants chosen in non-random sampling, give one characteristic?

Based on their characteristics or their availability to participate. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of convenience sampling?

The ease with which participants can be recruited. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of both convenience and snowball sampling?

The lack of representativeness of the general population. Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative studies, why are participants selected purposefully?

To provide the best information to address the research question, these cases are studied in depth. Signup and view all the answers

What is "extreme case sampling" in qualitative research?

Selecting cases that are unique or atypical outliers. Signup and view all the answers

What are two types of hybrid approaches for mixed-method sampling?

Stratified purposeful sampling and purposeful random sampling (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one important criterion for evaluating a subjects section/sampling procedure?

The participants should be clearly described with specific and detailed information, and the population is defined clearly, sampling is clearly described, free from bias, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the broad purpose of a literature review?

To relate previous research and theory to the problem under investigation. Signup and view all the answers

How does a literature review help in placing a research problem in context?

By showing how a current or proposed study compares to previous investigations, allowing the research problem and methodology to be placed in an appropriate context. Signup and view all the answers

Why might researchers be less likely to use the most effective methods without a good literature review?

Because they wouldn't be aware of what methods have already been shown to be effective in previous studies. Signup and view all the answers

What are some specific purposes of reviewing the literature (name 3)?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does reviewing literature help refine a research problem?

By learning how others have defined the problem, finding ideas and examples, and clarifying concepts and variables, leading to a more specific and focused problem formulation. Signup and view all the answers

How does a literature review help establish a study's conceptual or theoretical orientation?

By identifying if a new theory is proposed or tested, or if existing theory will be used. It also establishes a logical link between the research question and methodology within a pertinent conceptual framework. Signup and view all the answers

How can the review help researchers identify new directions and avoid duplication?

By revealing what has already been studied, allowing researchers to explore gaps in the existing literature and avoid unnecessary repetition. Signup and view all the answers

How can the literature review help identify methodological limitations of existing research?

By examining both successful and unsuccessful methods used in previous studies and suggesting a need to replicate research with specific improvements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of identifying contradictory findings in previous research?

This provides an opportunity to design research that can resolve the contradiction and therefore contribute significantly to knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

When should existing theories be used to justify a research hypothesis?

When there are few or no closely related studies, or when educational studies aren't clearly related to the problem; and also the literature can provide evidence for the hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in reviewing related literature?

Select a topic and key terms. Signup and view all the answers

Name three places to find databases.

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

A primary source is an original article or report where researchers communicate directly, while a secondary source reviews, summarizes, or discusses primary research. Signup and view all the answers

What is a meta-analysis?

A review that quantitatively synthesizes previous studies using statistical methods to calculate an overall effect. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to examine the methodology of meta-analyses?

Because there are different ways to identify and combine studies, which can affect the credibility of the results. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is it beneficial to take notes electronically or on index cards?

Because records can easily be organized in different ways after receiving the articles. Signup and view all the answers

What are three things that should be included in notes about a primary source?

Summary of the study, analysis of the study, and summary of how the study relates to the research problem (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the best sources for finding new articles to review?

The reference section of a primary source. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say a literature review is "thematic"?

A review in which a topic is identified and discussed without a detailed analysis of individual studies. This approach is more common in qualitative reviews. Signup and view all the answers

What are three criteria for evaluating the review of literature?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three primary classifications of educational measures?

Cognitive or non-cognitive, commercially prepared or locally developed, self-report or observations (C) Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between cognitive and non-cognitive measures. Provide an example of each.

Cognitive measures assess mental abilities such as knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving. An example is an achievement test. Non-cognitive measures focus on affective traits, such as personality, attitudes, values, and preferences. An example is a questionnaire about a student's self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between commercially prepared and locally developed measures?

Commercially prepared instruments are designed for widespread use with high technical merit, while locally developed instruments are created for specific research needs, often with less emphasis on standardization. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between self-report measures and observations.

Self-reports involve direct responses from participants via tests, questionnaires, or interviews, while observations involve external recording of behaviors, which may be structured or unstructured. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main characteristics used to differentiate types of tests?

Norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, standards-based (C) Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests.

Norm-referenced tests compare individual performance to a normative group, while criterion-referenced tests compare performance to a pre-determined standards. This means a norm-referenced test tells how a student performed in comparison to others, while a criterion-referenced test compares a students' score to a pre-defined standards, such as passing a competency test. Signup and view all the answers

List and briefly describe three types of standardized tests. How are they structured?

Norm-Referenced Tests, Criterion-Referenced Tests and Performance Tests. They are often structured to assess specific skills or abilities in a standardized manner, ensuring consistent measurement across different contexts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Likert scales in questionnaires? How are they structured?

Likert scales are used to measure the extent of agreement or disagreement with statements. They are structured as a range of options, typically with anchors at each end, such as "Strongly Agree" and "Strongly Disagree." Signup and view all the answers

Define semantic differential scales and provide an example of their use.

Semantic differential scales use bipolar adjectives to measure attitudes or perceptions. For example, a researcher might ask participants to rate a particular policy on a scale ranging from "Fair" to "Unfair." This allows researchers to measure attitudes toward a concept by examining the respondent's position on a continuum. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using questionnaires?

Questionnaires offer advantages such as efficiency, low cost, and anonymity. However, disadvantages include the potential for response bias, social desirability, and limited exploration of depth. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between low-inference and high-inference observations.

Low-inference observations focus on observable actions with minimal interpretation, while high-inference observations require judgment and interpretation of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two challenges that can arise during high-inference observations.

Observer bias and reliability issues (C) Signup and view all the answers

What strategies can reduce observer bias in observational research?

Strategies include training observers, using multiple observers, ensuring observers are blind to hypotheses, and having clear observation protocols. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key characteristics of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interview questions?

Structured: Predefined questions, Semi-structured: Some flexibility in wording, Unstructured: Open-ended and flexible (B) Signup and view all the answers

List three advantages and three disadvantages of using interviews as a data collection method.

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Participants & Samples

Individuals providing data in research; a sample is the group of these individuals.

Quantitative Sampling

Selecting samples to represent a larger population for generalization.