Research Methods in Health Studies

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Questions and Answers

In a study focused on examining the effects of a new medication for managing chronic pain in adults, why would researchers use an accessible population instead of a target population?

  • To eliminate the need for random sampling, as the accessible population is already representative of the target population.
  • To guarantee that the study sample is diverse enough to capture a wide range of pain experiences.
  • To ensure that the study sample is representative of the larger population of people experiencing chronic pain.
  • To make it easier to recruit participants who are readily available and meet the inclusion criteria. (correct)

What is the primary distinction between a target population and an accessible population in research?

  • A target population represents the ideal group for the study, while the accessible population is the group that can be realistically studied. (correct)
  • A target population is typically selected using random sampling, while an accessible population is selected through non-random methods.
  • A target population is always larger than an accessible population, while an accessible population is a subset of the target population.
  • A target population is defined by specific demographics, while an accessible population is defined by convenience and availability.

Consider a research project examining the effectiveness of a new educational program for managing diabetes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Which of the following would be an example of an element in this study?

  • The newly developed educational program.
  • The data collected on participants' blood glucose levels after the program.
  • The hospital where the program is implemented.
  • An individual with type 2 diabetes who participates in the program. (correct)

Why is it important to identify the target population before selecting a sample for a research study?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a research study examining the effectiveness of a new exercise program for older adults with osteoarthritis, what would be considered an accessible population?

<p>Residents of a specific retirement community with osteoarthritis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is conducting a study on the impact of a new stress-reduction technique for nurses working in intensive care units. What would be the most appropriate approach to selecting a sample for this study?

<p>Recruiting nurses from the intensive care units of different hospitals in the region. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sampling technique is being used when a researcher first randomly selects a sample of level 300 female nursing students, and then randomly selects a sample of level 300 male nursing students?

<p>Stratified random sampling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sampling techniques is NOT a non-probability sampling technique?

<p>Stratified random sampling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common reason researchers choose to study an accessible population instead of the entire target population?

<p>It is often easier and more cost-effective to recruit participants from an accessible population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse researcher wants to study the effectiveness of a new patient education program for managing chronic pain in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. What would be the most appropriate accessible population for this study?

<p>Patients enrolled in a rheumatology clinic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does quota sampling differ from stratified random sampling?

<p>Quota sampling uses convenience sampling within each category, while stratified random sampling involves random selection from each stratum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a study examining the effectiveness of a new educational program for managing diabetes in adults with type 2 diabetes, which of the following elements would be considered participants?

<p>The individuals with type 2 diabetes who receive the education. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best describes the use of multistage sampling?

<p>A researcher randomly selects 10 schools from a list of all schools in a city, then randomly selects 20 students from each selected school. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes purposive sampling from other sampling techniques?

<p>It relies heavily on the researcher's judgment and specific research needs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using sampling in research?

<p>To make generalizations about the larger group from which the sample was drawn. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sampling, what does 'sampling frame' refer to?

<p>The list of all individuals or elements in the population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples BEST exemplifies a non-probability sampling technique?

<p>Asking volunteers to participate in a study on anxiety. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MAIN difference between probability and non-probability sampling techniques?

<p>Probability sampling guarantees a representative sample, while non-probability sampling does not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using probability sampling in research?

<p>It enables researchers to generalize findings to the larger population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stage involved in selecting a sample for research?

<p>Developing a research question. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defining the target population in the sampling process?

<p>To ensure the research findings are relevant to the intended audience. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to have a well-defined plan for sampling in research?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an example of a probability sampling technique?

<p>Quota Sampling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between simple random sampling (SRS) and systematic sampling?

<p>SRS uses randomization, while systematic sampling uses a predetermined interval. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of simple random sampling?

<p>It is the most complex probability sampling technique. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of stratified random sampling?

<p>To ensure each group within the population has a representative sample in the final selection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In systematic sampling, what is the significance of randomly selecting the starting point?

<p>To eliminate any bias in the selection of participants from the sampling frame. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key difference between non-probability sampling and probability sampling?

<p>Probability sampling ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being selected. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When would non-probability sampling be a suitable choice?

<p>When studying a specific group within a population to gain in-depth insights. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of systematic sampling?

<p>It may introduce bias if the sampling frame has a cyclical pattern. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which sampling method is the population divided into subgroups based on shared characteristics?

<p>Stratified random sampling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cluster sampling from other probability sampling methods?

<p>It selects participants from randomly selected subgroups rather than from the entire population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to select a starting point randomly in systematic sampling?

<p>To avoid selecting participants based on their order in the sampling frame. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is often used in multistage sampling?

<p>Cluster sampling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a population in research?

<p>All participants in a study on the effectiveness of a new medication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of a target population differ from a general population?

<p>The target population includes individuals with specific characteristics relevant to the study's objectives, while the general population includes everyone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the concept of a 'population' in research is TRUE?

<p>It is the group from which a sample is drawn for research purposes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a study on the effectiveness of a new medication for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Which of the following would be considered the target population in this study?

<p>All individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to define the target population clearly in research?

<p>To ensure that the study's results are relevant to the intended audience and can be applied to similar groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for studying a sample rather than the entire population in research?

<p>Studying the whole population is unethical and often impossible to reach. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the target population and the sample selected for research?

<p>The sample is a smaller, representative subset of the target population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Population

A particular group of individuals or elements to be studied in research.

Target Population

The total group of individuals from which a sample might be drawn for a study.

Sample

A subset of individuals selected from a population for a study.

Sampling Techniques

Methods used to select individuals from a population for a study.

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Qualitative Research

A research method that focuses on understanding meanings and experiences.

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Quantitative Research

A research method that focuses on quantifying data and statistical analysis.

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Feasibility in Research

The practicality and viability of conducting a research study.

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Accessible Population

The part of the target population that researchers can realistically reach and study.

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Elements of a Population

The individual units of study, which can be people, events, or objects.

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Sampling Method

The strategy used to select individuals from the accessible population for research.

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Simple Random Sampling

A technique where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

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Participants

Individuals in a study who provide data; often referred to as subjects in research.

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Inclusion Criteria

The specific characteristics that define who can be part of the target population.

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Exclusion Criteria

The specific characteristics that disqualify individuals from being part of the target population.

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Cluster Sampling

Dividing the population into clusters, randomly selecting clusters, then sampling within them.

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Multistage Sampling

An extension of cluster sampling involving taking samples in stages from selected groups.

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Non-Probability Sampling

Sampling methods that do not give all individuals a known chance to be selected.

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Purposive Sampling

Selecting a sample based on the researcher's judgment for a specific purpose or interest.

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Quota Sampling

Collecting samples to meet a predefined quota from various elements of a population.

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Probability sampling

Sampling techniques that give all participants an equal chance of being selected from the population.

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Systematic sampling

Selecting participants by choosing a random starting point and then every nth individual thereafter.

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Stratified random sampling

Dividing the population into groups based on similar characteristics and randomly sampling from each group.

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Sampling frame

A complete list of the population from which a sample is drawn.

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Random starting point

The initial selection process that should be chosen randomly in systematic sampling.

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Strata in stratified sampling

Subgroups created based on similar characteristics within the population.

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Purpose of Sampling

To gather data about a population to generalize findings.

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Sample Size

The total number of people or cases included in a research study.

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Fieldwork

The process of collecting data from the selected sample.

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Sampling Method Selection

Choosing between probability or non-probability methods for sampling.

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Study Notes

Nursing Research: Population and Sampling

  • Examining populations and samples is crucial for conducting research to ensure feasibility and accurate results.
  • This session covers population, sample, and sampling techniques for qualitative and quantitative methods.

Session Objectives

  • Differentiate between population and sample.
  • Describe various sampling techniques.

Session Outline

  • Population
  • Sample
  • Sampling Techniques

Reading List

  • Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. R. (2014). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. (Chapter 9)

Topic One: Population Definition and Characteristics

  • A population is a specific group of individuals or elements to be studied (e.g., patients with heart failure).
  • Population refers to the larger group from which study participants are selected.
  • The outer ring in a diagram represents the population.
  • A population is a complete set of people with specific characteristics needed for the study.
  • 'Target population' is the entire group from which a sample could be drawn.
  • Accessible population is the part of target population that is available to researchers.

Defining Population, Sample, and Elements

  • Population: The entire group of individuals with specified characteristics.
  • Target Population: The complete group the researcher hopes to study.
  • Accessible Population: The portion of the target population which research participants can be drawn from.
  • Sample: A selection of individuals from the accessible population.
  • Element: Individual participants, subjects, objects, or events in a study.

Types of Populations

  • Target population: the entire set of individuals or elements that meet the criteria of the study.
  • Accessible population: the portion of the target population to which a researcher has reasonable access.
  • Example: Determine which of these would be target or accessible populations:
    • Adult males, 18 years or older, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and hospitalized with a lower extremity infection.
    • Individuals within a state, city, hospital, or nursing units, eg patients with diabetes in an acute care hospital in Ho

Topic Two: Definition of Sample

  • A sample is a selection from the population.
  • Sample decisions involve, who/what should be studied.
  • Samples must have a well-defined plan.
  • Sample size is the total number of participants or cases in a study.

Sampling Purpose

  • The aim when selecting a sample is to choose individuals who can represent the larger group from which they are drawn.
  • The goal is to collect data about the population to make generalizable conclusions.

Stages in Sample Selection

  • Define the target population
  • Select a sampling frame
  • Determine if a probability or non-probability method will be chosen.
  • Plan the procedure for selecting sampling units.
  • Determine the sample size
  • Select the actual sampling units
  • Conduct fieldwork

Topic Three: Sampling Techniques

  • Probability Sampling: Each participant has an equal chance of selection (e.g., simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, multistage sampling).
  • Non-Probability Sampling: Participants are not randomly selected (e.g., purposive sampling, quota sampling, dimensional sampling, convenience sampling, snowball sampling).

Probability Sampling Techniques

  • Simple random sampling: Each participant is randomly selected.
  • Systematic sampling: A starting point is randomly selected, and then every nth participant is selected.
  • Stratified random sampling: The population is divided into groups (strata) and random samples are selected from each strata.
  • Cluster sampling: The population is divided into clusters, and some clusters are randomly selected.
  • Multistage sampling: A combination of sampling methods.

Non-Probability Sampling Techniques

  • Purposive sampling: Participants are chosen based on specific characteristics relevant to the study.
  • Quota sampling: A predetermined number of participants from certain categories is selected.
  • Dimensional sampling: An extension of quota sampling, allowing for representation of multiple important characteristics.
  • Convenience sampling: Participants are selected based on ease of access.
  • Snowball sampling: Participants recruit other participants.

Sampling in Qualitative Research

  • Purposeful/Purposive sampling: Participants are chosen due to specific characteristics or knowledge.
  • Network sampling: Existing participants identify more individuals to participate in research.
  • Theoretical sampling: Participants are selected to develop theories in grounded theory research.

Sample Size Calculation

  • Quantitative studies: Formulas (e.g., Yamane Formula, Cochran Formula) are used to generate sample size.
  • The size of a sample, for quantitative studies, should be large enough to identify relationships among variables or differences between groups.
  • Qualitative studies: Sample size is determined by data saturation—when no new information is obtained from additional participants.

Summary

  • The session discussed research populations, characteristics, and sampling techniques for qualitative and quantitative studies.
  • The next session explores data-collection methods.

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