Question 1

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable.
-Large relationships are anticipated between the variables to be correlated.
A) L
B) S

Accepted Answer

When large relationships are anticipated between variables, a small sample is acceptable because the effect size is expected to be strong enough to detect with fewer participants.

Question 2

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable.
-Subgroup analyses are to be performed.
A) L
B) S

Accepted Answer

Subgroup analyses require dividing the overall sample into smaller groups based on certain characteristics. To ensure that each subgroup is adequately represented and to maintain statistical power, a larger overall sample is typically needed.

Question 3

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable.
-The research participants have been closely matched on the critical variables.
A) L
B) S

Accepted Answer

When research participants have been closely matched on critical variables, a small sample can be acceptable because the matching process reduces variability, making it easier to detect effects with fewer participants.

Question 4

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable.
-Small differences are expected between the scores of the experimental and control groups
A) L
B) S

Accepted Answer

When small differences are expected between the scores of the experimental and control groups, a large sample is typically required to detect these differences with statistical significance. This is because smaller differences are harder to distinguish from random variation without a sufficiently large dataset.

Question 5

A small sample is most appropriate when
A) small differences are anticipated between the experimental and control groups.
B) subgroup analyses are planned.
C) the population is highly heterogeneous on the variables being studied.
D) close matching of the comparison groups is possible.

Accepted Answer

Close matching of the comparison groups is possible with a small sample, allowing for more precise comparisons between groups. This is because with a smaller sample, it's easier to ensure that the individuals in both the experimental and control groups are similar in key characteristics, reducing variability due to confounding variables.

Question 6

The first step in estimating needed sample size is to
A) determine the size of the target population.
B) determine the size of the accessible population.
C) study the findings of related research using similar variables.
D) determine the population mean and standard deviation for each variable of concern.

Accepted Answer

The first step in estimating needed sample size is to study the findings of related research using similar variables to understand the context and variability, which helps in determining the appropriate sample size.

Question 7

Sampling techniques are more flexible in qualitative research than in quantitative research mainly because qualitative researchers
a. need only one or a few cases.
b. are interested in typical cases.
c. prefer emergent research designs.
d. have no interest in generalizing study results.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sampling techniques are more flexible in qualitative...

Question 8

The primary goal of purposeful sampling is to
A) enable researchers to test theories.
B) select cases that are information rich with respect to the study's purpose.
C) replicate the result of previous research.
D) select cases that are convenient for researchers to study.

Accepted Answer

Purposeful sampling is aimed at selecting cases or participants that are rich in information and relevant to the research question or objective, rather than at random or for convenience. This approach helps in gaining deeper insights into the phenomenon being studied.

Question 9

Replication logic is used in case study research primarily to
A) enable researchers to develop or test a theory.
B) generate research findings that can be generalized to a defined population.
C) duplicate the findings of previous research.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Replication logic in case study research is primarily used to enable researchers to develop or test a theory by examining whether the findings of a case study can be replicated in other similar cases.

Question 10

In a study of teachers' use of power, selecting as a case a teacher who is known throughout the country as an exceptionally active opinion maker would be an example of
A) typical case sampling.
B) intensity sampling.
C) deviant case sampling.
D) convenience sampling.

Accepted Answer

Deviant case sampling involves selecting cases that are unusual or exceptional, such as a teacher who is an exceptionally active opinion maker.

Question 11

Random sampling in qualitative research is sometimes used in order to
A) ensure that the cases studied are representative.
B) establish that the sampling procedure is not biased.
C) confirm the findings of previous case studies.
D) select cases that illustrate the full range of variation in the phenomenon being studied.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Random sampling in qualitative research is sometimes...

Question 12

A qualitative researcher who is interested in the study of a phenomenon in depth would be well advised to
A) study a wide range of experiences for a small number of people.
B) study a narrow set of experiences for a large number of people.
C) document the naturally occurring diversity and variation of the phenomenon.
D) use stratified purposeful sampling to select the cases.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding of a phenomenon, often through detailed exploration of a small number of cases to capture the complexity and richness of experiences.

Question 13

Study of a large number of cases in a qualitative research study is particularly desirable for
A) avoiding redundancy in the information provided by different cases.
B) conducting critical case sampling.
C) understanding the range of diversity or variation in the phenomenon being studied.
D) doing a theoretical replication.

Accepted Answer

Understanding the range of diversity or variation in the phenomenon being studied is particularly desirable in qualitative research when studying a large number of cases, as it helps to capture the full spectrum of experiences and perspectives related to the research question.

Question 14

Volunteers are likely to constitute a biased sample because they
A) have been found to differ from nonvolunteers on numerous characteristics.
B) are less responsive to experimental interventions than individuals who are required to participate.
C) are more susceptible to the Hawthorne effect than nonvolunteers.
D) tend to have more conservative attitudes than nonvolunteers.

Accepted Answer

Volunteers may differ from nonvolunteers in various characteristics such as personality, availability, and interest in the subject matter, which can lead to a biased sample. Choices B, C, and D are not universally true characteristics of volunteers versus nonvolunteers.

Question 15

Comparing the characteristics of volunteers and nonvolunteers for a research study best helps a researcher to
A) increase the response rate.
B) determine how well the findings can be generalized to the population.
C) determine the best method to recruit participants.
D) obtain statistically significant findings.

Accepted Answer

Comparing the characteristics of volunteers and nonvolunteers helps a researcher understand how representative the volunteer group is of the overall population, which is crucial for determining the generalizability of the study's findings.

Question 16

Compared to nonvolunteers for participation in a research study, volunteers tend to be
A) more introverted.
B) lower in need for achievement.
C) better educated.
D) more conforming.

Accepted Answer

Volunteers for research studies often have higher levels of education. This is because individuals with more education are generally more aware of and interested in research, more comfortable in academic settings, and may have a greater understanding of the value of contributing to scientific knowledge.

Question 17

If it is necessary to use only volunteers in a research study, the best precaution is for the researcher to
A) consider whether volunteers are likely to differ from nonvolunteers on critical variables.
B) increase the sample size.
C) require a public commitment to participate.
D) keep the description of the study's purpose brief and matter-of-fact.

Accepted Answer

Volunteers might have different characteristics or motivations compared to non-volunteers, which could introduce bias into the research. Recognizing and considering these potential differences is crucial for maintaining the validity and reliability of the study's findings.

Question 18

Which of the following is an effective method for recruiting individuals to participate in a research study?
A) Make the study sound appealing.
B) Offer gifts and other benefits to prospective participants.
C) Have the request for volunteers made by a person of high status.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

All the options listed are effective methods for recruiting individuals to participate in a research study. Making the study sound appealing can attract interest, offering gifts or benefits can provide an incentive, and having the request made by a person of high status can lend credibility and attract attention to the study.

Question 19

In situations where volunteering is regarded by the target population as the normal thing to do, a recommended way to increase the rate of volunteering is to
A) create a situation where each individual can volunteer in private.
B) emphasize that volunteering represents a tremendous contribution to society.
C) ask each individual to make a public commitment to volunteer.
D) post a description of the study in a public place.

Accepted Answer

Asking individuals to make a public commitment to volunteer can significantly increase the likelihood of them following through with volunteering. This is because making a public commitment increases the social pressure to conform to the commitment, leveraging the social norms that already regard volunteering as the normal thing to do.

Question 20

A qualitative researcher who is interested in studying school teachers who moonlight in other jobs decides to select cases who have only one extra job, at which they spend no more than 10 hours a week.
a. What type of purposeful sample does the researcher appear to be seeking?
b. What is the researcher's probable rationale for limiting the study to such cases?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A qualitative researcher who is interested in...

Quiz 6: Selecting a Sample

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable. -Large relationships are anticipated between the variables to be correlated.

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable. -Subgroup analyses are to be performed.

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable. -The research participants have been closely matched on the critical variables.

Put an L before the following research situations that require a large sample and an S before those situations in which a small sample is acceptable. -Small differences are expected between the scores of the experimental and control groups

A small sample is most appropriate when

The first step in estimating needed sample size is to

Sampling techniques are more flexible in qualitative research than in quantitative research mainly because qualitative researchers a. need only one or a few cases. b. are interested in typical cases. c. prefer emergent research designs. d. have no interest in generalizing study results.

The primary goal of purposeful sampling is to

Replication logic is used in case study research primarily to

In a study of teachers' use of power, selecting as a case a teacher who is known throughout the country as an exceptionally active opinion maker would be an example of

Random sampling in qualitative research is sometimes used in order to

A qualitative researcher who is interested in the study of a phenomenon in depth would be well advised to

Study of a large number of cases in a qualitative research study is particularly desirable for

Volunteers are likely to constitute a biased sample because they

Comparing the characteristics of volunteers and nonvolunteers for a research study best helps a researcher to

Compared to nonvolunteers for participation in a research study, volunteers tend to be

If it is necessary to use only volunteers in a research study, the best precaution is for the researcher to

Which of the following is an effective method for recruiting individuals to participate in a research study?

In situations where volunteering is regarded by the target population as the normal thing to do, a recommended way to increase the rate of volunteering is to