You conduct a comparison of the desired sample with the actual sample from a set of qualitative personal interviews.You find that the actual sample was slightly older than intended.What is the recommended next step?
A)Stop the analysis and discard all the data.
B)Ask for a refund from the field service that performed the recruiting.
C)Continue with the analysis but note this discovery in the presentation of the findings.
D)Prepare a poor performance evaluation for the interviewer.
E)Prepare a proposal for a new research study.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continuing with the analysis and noting the discovery in the presentation of findings would be the best option. It is not uncommon for there to be slight differences between the intended sample and the actual sample. This discovery can be included in the limitations section of the study and the implications of this difference can be discussed. It would not be appropriate to stop the analysis and discard all the data or ask for a refund from the field service without further investigation. Likewise, there is no reason to prepare a poor performance evaluation for the interviewer, as this is not likely to be the cause of the age difference. 
Preparing a proposal for a new research study is not necessary as there is still value in the current study, even with the slight age difference in the sample.

You Conduct a Comparison of the Desired Sample with the Actual