Hi again,
I liked the acronym you used to help us remember the 4 important points of criteria of sampling design. "GO Measure Practical Economy"
GO- Goal Orientation
A research study is aimed at a particular goal and has a set of objectives to help reach that goal. To achieve this goal a good sample has to be selected that is accessable and that represents the population (or in case of the researchers discretion may not represent the population). Samples are of different kinds (sampling design). To be able to choose the one design/strategy that best suits the research problem is important. Hence one criteria of sampling design is to be oriented towards the goal of the study.
Measureability
Sample size is important such that the results should be measureable.
Practicality
The selection of a particular sample design should be practical in relation to the research study. Depending on the length of the study, the sample should be chosen on its representativeness and accessability (ref to previous 2 posts) There maybe more than one sample designs that maybe suitable to the study. Hence along with the other criterias, its practicality should be considered.
Economical
The last but definietely not the least, the economical criteria. The funds available for the research study is an important concern for the researcher. Keeping this in mind the researcher must carefully select a sample, if need be a few research assistants depending on the length of the study.
Following these criterian carefully the researcher will be able to conduct a practical study resulting in reliable outcomes.
(i hope im on the right track, although i was initially confused about the measurability criteria. Do correct me if im wrong.)
Ref: http://metca6research.blogspot.com/ Day 3- Criteria of sampling design
Showing posts with label Sampling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sampling. Show all posts
Monday, April 2, 2007
Day 2- Accessibility of a sample
Hie,
I have read the post on accessiblity of a sample. I have also referred to the Url that you suggested. Great resource.
3 examples where a researcher might have a problem accessing a sample are:
1. Sensitivity : If a researcher is conducting a study on breast cancer of new mothers and its impact level on child care/feeding. The accessibility to those mothers with breast cancer may be available but because of the trauma and the overwhelming factor of the cancer and being a sensitive issue, those mothers may not be willing to be part of the study.
2. Timing is everything: The sample participants may not have the time to participate in the study, although they are willing to be part of the study ex: lawyers, policemen, journalists etc.
3. Permission: If a sensitive study on a rape victim or child molesting was the topic of research, accessibility to that sample may be a problem as many parents or local guardians may not give permission to those victims who have been under such an ordeal. So not only is it a sensitive issue but a sensitive issue to the fact of being socially and morally disturbing. or
If a study were in the corporate field where certain information were to be disclosed about a new product for the study, companies (sample) may not have the time, may not authorise the persons in charge to be part of the study or may simply treat this as a sensitive issue.
Hence its agreed upon that amongst other factors, accessibility of a sample is important and should be thought of prior to the commencement of the study.
Ref: http://metca6research.blogspot.com/ Day 2-Accessibility of a sample
I have read the post on accessiblity of a sample. I have also referred to the Url that you suggested. Great resource.
3 examples where a researcher might have a problem accessing a sample are:
1. Sensitivity : If a researcher is conducting a study on breast cancer of new mothers and its impact level on child care/feeding. The accessibility to those mothers with breast cancer may be available but because of the trauma and the overwhelming factor of the cancer and being a sensitive issue, those mothers may not be willing to be part of the study.
2. Timing is everything: The sample participants may not have the time to participate in the study, although they are willing to be part of the study ex: lawyers, policemen, journalists etc.
3. Permission: If a sensitive study on a rape victim or child molesting was the topic of research, accessibility to that sample may be a problem as many parents or local guardians may not give permission to those victims who have been under such an ordeal. So not only is it a sensitive issue but a sensitive issue to the fact of being socially and morally disturbing. or
If a study were in the corporate field where certain information were to be disclosed about a new product for the study, companies (sample) may not have the time, may not authorise the persons in charge to be part of the study or may simply treat this as a sensitive issue.
Hence its agreed upon that amongst other factors, accessibility of a sample is important and should be thought of prior to the commencement of the study.
Ref: http://metca6research.blogspot.com/ Day 2-Accessibility of a sample
Friday, March 30, 2007
Day1 - What would the researcher do?
No. Firstly it will be highly impossible for one researcher to take on the task of gathering data on the opinions of every citizen. Secondly s/he will spend years and probably decades to gather data as India is a phenomenally large country. It can be possible if the researcher has a great number of research assistants with him/her then the task of gathering data can be distributed to these assistants. However there is a possibility of threats.
Another alternative: The researcher can choose a sample that represents the entire population then s/he can administer the test on that sample and whatever results gathered from that study can be generalized to the whole population of India. Thus making the possiblity of carrying out this study simpler.
But to gather data on the different opinions of politicians from every citizen of India is a mighty big task, but not generalizable. As every citizen will have a different opinion and is entitled to his/her opinion. Just by gathering opinions from a handful of people cannot generalise that the entire population thinks that way about politicians.
Another alternative: The researcher can choose a sample that represents the entire population then s/he can administer the test on that sample and whatever results gathered from that study can be generalized to the whole population of India. Thus making the possiblity of carrying out this study simpler.
But to gather data on the different opinions of politicians from every citizen of India is a mighty big task, but not generalizable. As every citizen will have a different opinion and is entitled to his/her opinion. Just by gathering opinions from a handful of people cannot generalise that the entire population thinks that way about politicians.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)