Question 1

Summarize the relationship between a representative sample and a population.

Accepted Answer

The researcher's goal in sampling is to obtain a representative sample, meaning the sample is similar in all areas to the population that yielded it but contains fewer people than the population.

Question 2

Differentiate between random sampling and nonrandom sampling in quantitative research.

Accepted Answer

Sampling in quantitative research is either random or nonrandom. Random sampling will generate representative samples, whereas nonrandom sampling will not.

Question 3

Which form of random sampling uses a sampling interval?

Accepted Answer

Systematic sampling uses a uses a factor known as a sampling interval; this is the population size divided by the desired sample size. Simple random sampling, which is the most basic type of random sampling, allows everyone in the group that yielded the sample to have an equal chance of selection for the final sample. Cluster random sampling is used when clusters or groups of potential participants, rather than individual subjects, are included only if the clusters are approximately equal in size. Stratified random sampling occurs when the researcher initially selects a stratification variable, such as gender or race, to classify the sampling frame.

Question 4

Which form of nonrandom sampling is most appropriate for use when members of the research population are especially difficult to find?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling, during which each subject used in the research study is asked to identify other potential research subjects who have the characteristics to be studied, is particularly effective with a population that is difficult to find and therefore has no sampling frame. Quota sampling, which is a variation on convenience sampling, involves setting quotas and then using convenience sampling to select participants to fill the quotas. With purposive sampling, the researcher specifies the characteristics of the population of interest and then locates individuals who match those characteristics. Convenience sampling is used when the researcher selects people who are most easily located or most available for participation in the research study.

Question 5

Discuss advantages and disadvantages of convenience sampling.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss advantages and disadvantages of convenience sampling....

Question 6

Discuss the purpose and importance of random assignment of participants.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the purpose and importance of random...

Question 7

Explain the impact of homogeneity on the representativeness of a sample.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the impact of homogeneity on the...

Question 8

Which purposive sampling technique is used by the researcher to limit the possibility of selectively identifying cases that support the researcher's personal theory?

Accepted Answer

Negative-case sampling involves selecting cases that are opposite to the generalizations made about a variable; this sampling technique aims to confirm that the researcher is not selectively finding cases to support a personal theory. Critical-case sampling, in contrast, entails the researcher's selection of cases considered very important in relation to the variable being studied. With extreme case sampling, the researcher chooses cases that represent extremes on a specific variable. Typical-case sampling involves the researcher's selection of cases that seem to be average for the variable studied.

Question 9

The DNP researcher is engaged in recruiting participants for a qualitative research project. During the recruitment process, the key contact begins to function as a gatekeeper who impedes communication between the DNP researcher and potential participants. Describe a course of action that may be employed by DNP researcher to overcome the key contact's resistance and move forward with recruitment.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The DNP researcher is engaged in recruiting...

Quiz 9: Sampling