Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Sampling

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant goal of research design in quantitative studies?

To enhance subjective experiences of participants

To promote flexibility in interpreting results

To minimize bias in obtaining answers to research questions (correct)

To maximize bias in data collection

What are inclusion and exclusion criteria used for in research?

To develop intervention protocols

To determine the eligibility of individuals for the population (correct)

To ensure the research design is structured

To control the variables of the research study

During which step of the research process is the sampling plan designed?

Identifying the population (correct)

Specifying methods to measure variables

Developing methods to safeguard subjects

Selecting a research design

What does the population refer to in the context of research?

All individuals or objects with common defining characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves developing protocols that specify the details of interventions in research?

Developing intervention protocols Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of eligibility criteria in research studies?

To determine characteristics for population membership Signup and view all the answers

In which phase do researchers finalize the research plan?

Phase 2: Design and planning Signup and view all the answers

In research studies, what typically characterizes quantitative designs?

Structured and controlled methodology Signup and view all the answers

What is one key requirement for children to be eligible for the study?

They must be between the ages of 7 and 14 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a sampling plan?

To represent the population’s traits adequately. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of nonprobability sampling?

Convenience sampling from available individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of probability sampling?

Every element has an equal chance of being included. Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of sampling in quantitative research?

It can be more cost-effective than studying the entire population. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about nonprobability sampling is true?

It is primarily used for exploratory research. Signup and view all the answers

Why is careful sampling important in research?

It minimizes bias and improves the validity of research results. Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes the concept of strata in sampling?

Homogeneous groups based on specific characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of quota sampling?

Samples reflect the population proportions of key demographics. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method involves collecting all individuals from a defined group over a specific time period?

Consecutive Sampling Signup and view all the answers

In purposive sampling, how are participants selected?

By researchers using their knowledge of the population. Signup and view all the answers

What describes snowball sampling most accurately?

Sample members are suggested by earlier participants. Signup and view all the answers

What defines simple random sampling?

A comprehensive list of the population is used for selection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a sampling frame in research?

To provide a list of every member of the population being studied. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes purposive sampling's use in the context provided?

Involving experts to highlight essential competencies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Cochran's formula in survey research?

To ensure the sample size is sufficient for reliable results Signup and view all the answers

What population size was included in the study of adherence to foot self-care in Brazil?

8,709 patients Signup and view all the answers

If the confidence level is set at 95%, what is the corresponding Z-value to be used in Cochran's formula?

1.96 Signup and view all the answers

What value is typically used for the population proportion (p) if it is unknown?

0.5 Signup and view all the answers

What margin of error (e) corresponds to a 5% error in Cochran's formula?

0.05 Signup and view all the answers

How many respondents would a researcher need for a large population to ensure reliable and statistically significant results, assuming a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%?

Sample size of about 384 Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred if a researcher decides to use a proportion (p) of 0.5 in Cochran's formula?

They are maximizing sample size for uncertainty Signup and view all the answers

What does Cochran's formula primarily focus on to yield reliable results?

The confidence level, proportion, and margin of error Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an example of a situation where Cochran's formula would be applicable?

Surveying opinions on a new product from a large consumer base Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of qualitative research?

To understand processes and phenomena Signup and view all the answers

At what point is data saturation considered achieved in qualitative research?

When no new themes emerge from the data Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative research method typically requires a smaller sample size, around 5-10 participants?

Phenomenology Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that influences sample size in qualitative research?

Depth of analysis required Signup and view all the answers

How many participants are typically required for a grounded theory study?

20-30 participants or more Signup and view all the answers

What type of qualitative research could involve long-term study of a small number of participants to immerse in their culture?

Ethnography Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the general trend in sample sizes for qualitative research studies?

They tend to be small and manageable for depth of analysis. Signup and view all the answers

In a case study methodology, how many cases might a researcher typically focus on?

1-5 cases Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Population and Sample in Quantitive and Qualitative Research

Quantitative and Qualitative research have different approaches to selecting a sample.
Quantitative research uses Probability Sampling which allows for random selection of elements from a population, giving researchers more confidence in generalizing findings.
Qualitative research uses Nonprobability Sampling where random selection is not the focus, making it more exploratory and less focused on generalizability.

Selecting and Defining the Population

Researchers define the population to be studied by outlining a set of eligibility criteria:
Inclusion criteria: specifies the characteristics someone must have to be included in the study.
Exclusion criteria: specifies the characteristics someone should have to be excluded from the study.

Specifying a Sampling Plan

Samples are subsets of a population.
- Strata, divisions of a population based on characteristics, can be used for sampling.
Sampling plan specifies how the sample will be selected and how many subjects are needed.
- The goal is to have a sample that adequately reflects the population's traits.

Importance of Sampling in Quantitative Research

Generalizability: Well-designed samples allow researchers to apply findings from the sample to the entire population studied.
Cost-effectiveness: Sampling is often more practical and cost-effective than studying the entire population.
Accuracy: Careful sampling minimizes bias, improving the validity of research results.

Nonprobability Sampling Methods

Convenience Sampling: Selecting the most conveniently available people as participants.
Quota Sampling: Researchers identify population strata and figure out how many people are needed from each stratum
- This method attempts to ensure the sample reflects the population's known characteristics.
Consecutive Sampling: Recruiting all people from an accessible population over a specific time interval or for a specified sample size.
Purposive Sampling: Researchers use their knowledge about the population to handpick sample members.
Snowball Sampling: Early participants in the sample are asked to identify and refer other people who meet the eligibility criteria.

Probability Sampling Methods

Simple Random Sampling: The most basic of the probability sampling plans.
- randomly selecting elements from a sampling frame.
- Sampling Frame is a list of every member of the population.

Sample Size for Qualitative Research

The determination of sample size is based on the purpose of the study.
Qualitative research uses Data Saturation which is achieved when no new information or themes are emerging from the data.
- Data saturation can occur between 5 to 30 participants.
Types of Qualitative Research and their typical sample sizes:
- Phenomenology: 5-10 participants
- Grounded Theory: 20-30 participants or more
- Ethnography: Can vary widely, but fewer participants are studied intensively over a long period.
- Case Study: 1-5 cases, with detailed analysis of each case.

Cochran Formula

Cochran's formula can help in calculating the required sample size for survey research.
- This formula considers the confidence level, estimated population proportion, and margin of error.

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Description

This quiz explores the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research sampling methods. It goes into detail about probability and nonprobability sampling as well as how researchers define the population and eligibility criteria for studies. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts in research methodology!