Question 1

Random processes are important to the quality of research primarily because of which of the following reasons?

Accepted Answer

Random processes are crucial in research for ensuring that the sample selected is representative of the larger population. This helps in generalizing the findings from the sample to the population.

Question 2

Which term refers to an entire group or aggregate of people or elements?

Accepted Answer

Population is the entire group or aggregate of people or elements being studied.

Question 3

Sampling error refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Sampling error specifically refers to the random variations that can occur in the sampling process. It is the difference between the sample statistic and the actual population parameter, which arises purely by chance because the sample is only a part of the whole population.

Question 4

A type of probability sampling in which the sampling unit is a naturally occurring group of members of the population is:

Accepted Answer

Cluster sampling involves dividing the population into separate groups, known as clusters, and then a simple random sample of these clusters is selected. If all individuals within the selected clusters are surveyed, it is a single-stage cluster sampling. This method is used when natural groups are evident in a population.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a primary factor regarding sample size?

Accepted Answer

Random sampling, when properly executed, is designed to reduce sampling error by ensuring each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, not to produce a high sampling error. The other options (A, B, D) correctly relate to factors affecting sample size.

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of simple random sampling?

Accepted Answer

Every element in the population has an equal chance of being selected in simple random sampling, which ensures that the sample is representative of the population.

Question 7

A well-designed study with a high degree of generalizability is likely to have used which of the following sampling techniques?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling is likely to produce the most generalizable results because every member of the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample, reducing selection bias and increasing the likelihood that the sample accurately represents the population.

Question 8

Which of the definitions best describes the sampling frame?

Accepted Answer

The sampling frame refers to the accessible population from which a researcher can draw a sample. It is essentially a list or database that includes all members of the population that can be sampled.

Question 9

Which of the following definitions best describes a representative sample?

Accepted Answer

A representative sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the population from which it is drawn, ensuring that any conclusions drawn from the sample can be reasonably generalized to the population.

Question 10

What is the definition of data saturation?

Accepted Answer

Data saturation is reached when no new information or themes are observed in the data, meaning additional data collection does not lead to new insights or ideas.

Question 11

Which of the following is not a type of purposive sampling?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling is not a type of purposive sampling. Purposive sampling involves selecting participants based on specific purposes or characteristics relevant to the research question, whereas convenience sampling involves selecting participants based on their availability or ease of access, without consideration for their relevance to the research question's specific characteristics.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes samples in qualitative studies?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative studies often focus on obtaining deep, detailed information from participants. This often involves studying a smaller group over a longer period to gather comprehensive insights into their experiences, behaviors, or perceptions, rather than seeking statistical significance from a large sample size.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes samples in quantitative studies?

Accepted Answer

In quantitative studies, sample size is crucial to ensure adequate power to detect statistically significant differences, making option A the best description.

Question 14

All of the following factors are major considerations in recruiting participants, except:

Accepted Answer

The statement about needing to select 20 percent of the population is not a standard or major consideration in recruiting participants for studies. The other options (A, C, D) are indeed important considerations: ensuring participants' availability, needing adequate numbers for reliability, and accounting for participant dropout.

Question 15

Which of the following definitions best describes statistical power?

Accepted Answer

Statistical power is defined as the probability that the test will correctly reject the null hypothesis when it is indeed false, meaning it measures the test's ability to identify an effect if there is one.

Quiz 12: Identifying, Recruiting and Selecting Research Participants