Research Methods 4

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of sampling in research?

To study all individuals in the population

To collect data from the entire population

To ensure the sample is not representative of the population

To cut the population down to a manageable size for research (correct)

Which term refers to all individuals (or lab specimen) in which we may be interested and to which we want the study results to extrapolate to?

Population (correct)

Bias

Literature review

Sample

What is the aim of ensuring the sample is representative of the population?

To ensure the sample reflects the diversity of the population (correct)

To make the sample unmanageable for research purposes

To introduce sampling bias

To study all individuals in the population

In research, what does 'cutting the population down to a manageable and representative size' refer to?

Collecting data from a subset of the population Signup and view all the answers

What is the subset of the population that we are able to study called?

Sample Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of research involves identifying appropriate methods to conduct the research?

Sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is used to recruit participants from a small, inaccessible population or those who are difficult to identify in large numbers?

Snowball sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of snowball sampling?

Subjective selection process Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between purposive sampling and convenience sampling?

Selection based on theoretical rationale Signup and view all the answers

What type of bias occurs when there is a systematic tendency to include/exclude individuals or certain groups in the sample?

Selection bias Signup and view all the answers

In which type of bias is there a significant difference between those who participated and those who did not participate in a study?

Non-response bias Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of systematic sampling?

To select every nth member from the population Signup and view all the answers

What refers to unexpected, systematic variation in research findings?

Bias Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves random selection of samples, such as simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster sampling?

Probability sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is the simplest method of sampling with each unit having an equal chance of being selected?

Simple random sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves the selection of every nth unit and requires a complete list of the population?

Systematic sampling Signup and view all the answers

What divides the population into subgroups and ensures consistent distribution with the population?

Stratified random sampling Signup and view all the answers

When is non-probability sampling useful?

When a truly random sample is not possible Signup and view all the answers

What is convenience sampling based on?

Availability Signup and view all the answers

What does MHRA require for assessing the quality of medicinal products on the market?

Sampling plans Signup and view all the answers

Why is sample size estimation important?

To ensure generalizability of results and allocation of resources. Signup and view all the answers

What type of studies may require larger sample sizes due to higher dropout rates?

Longitudinal studies Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves smaller sample sizes for research?

Cross-over designs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sampling and bias are crucial aspects to consider when appraising quantitative studies.
Bias refers to unexpected, systematic variation in research findings, which can lead to estimates above or below the population value.
Regulatory authorities, such as the MHRA, require sampling plans to assess the quality of medicinal products on the market.
Pharmaceutical companies may want to check dose uniformity of a powder mixture (API + excipients) by sampling the blend.
Sample size estimation is important to ensure generalizability of results, allocate resources, and ensure detection of effects.
Cross-over designs require smaller sample sizes, while longitudinal studies may require larger ones due to higher dropout rates.
Probability sampling aims for objectivity and involves random selection of samples, e.g., simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster sampling.
Simple random sampling is the simplest method, with each unit having an equal chance of being selected.
Systematic sampling involves selection of every nth unit and requires a complete list of the population.
Stratified random sampling divides the population into subgroups and ensures consistent distribution with the population.
Cluster sampling divides the population into clusters and selects clusters randomly.
Non-probability sampling is useful when a truly random sample is not possible.
Convenience sampling is selected based on availability, while quota sampling is a form of stratified sampling with non-random selection.

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Description

Test your knowledge on research methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis. Explore the definition of terms such as sample, population, and sampling, as well as types of sampling bias. Understand the stages of research, from identifying the need for research to writing a research report.