Mod 3.3 Boundaries

When are boundaries set in research?

Boundaries are set early in the research process when researchers define and limit the scope of their study.

What do researchers do when setting boundaries?

They identify the population, phenomena, and conceptual dimensions, and determine data collection strategies and selection criteria.

What is the purpose of setting boundaries in research?

To focus the study, ensure feasibility, and clarify what is included or excluded from the research.

What is a population?

A complete group of individuals or items that share at least one common characteristic.

What is a sample?

A subset of a population that represents the larger group being studied.

Why do researchers use samples instead of studying entire populations?

Because sampling is less expensive, more efficient, more feasible, and often less invasive or destructive.

In the Gallup U.S. Poll example, what was the population?

All 323.95 million people in America in 2016.

In the Gallup U.S. Poll example, what was the sampling frame?

Americans with landlines or mobile phones.

In the Gallup U.S. Poll example, how many people were sampled weekly?

About 1,500 randomly chosen individuals, totaling around 78,000 per year.

What is random digit dialing?

A method of randomly generating phone numbers to ensure an unbiased sample in surveys.

What type of research typically uses sampling?

Quantitative research.

What are the two main types of sampling in quantitative research?

Probability sampling and nonprobability sampling.

What is the purpose of randomization in quantitative research?

To ensure each member of the population has an equal chance of selection and to eliminate bias.

What is probability sampling?

A sampling method where every member of a population has a known, nonzero chance of being selected.

What is simple random sampling (SRS)?

A sampling technique in which each member of the population is chosen independently and randomly, ensuring equal selection chances.

What is systematic sampling?

Selecting every nth person from a population list until reaching the desired sample size.

What is stratified random sampling?

Dividing the population into subgroups and randomly sampling equally from each group.

What is cluster sampling?

Selecting naturally occurring groups (like schools or clinics) instead of individuals to collect data efficiently across limited sites.

What is nonprobability sampling?

A sampling method where not all members of the population have a known or equal chance of selection.

What are examples of nonprobability sampling methods?

Convenience, purposive (judgmental), snowball (networking), and quota sampling.

What is convenience sampling?

Selecting participants who are easily accessible or willing to participate.

What is purposive sampling?

Intentionally selecting participants based on specific characteristics or expertise relevant to the research.

What is snowball sampling?

Using referrals from initial participants to recruit additional participants, often used with hard-to-reach populations.

What is quota sampling?

Selecting participants to fill pre-specified categories or quotas to ensure certain groups are represented.

What type of sampling is most common in qualitative research?

Purposeful sampling.

What are examples of purposeful sampling in qualitative research?

Convenience, snowball, maximum variation, and homogenous sampling.

How do quantitative and qualitative research differ in sample size philosophy?

Quantitative research values larger samples for statistical power, while qualitative research values smaller samples for depth and meaning.

What is the general rule for sample size in quantitative correlational studies?

Approximately 30 participants.

What is the general rule for sample size in quantitative survey research?

Around 100 participants for each major subgroup.

What is the general rule for sample size in quasi-experimental research?

At least 15 participants per group.

What does qualitative research prioritize when determining sample size?

Quality over quantity: seeking either breadth (many experiences) or depth (detailed experiences).

What sample considerations exist for qualitative focus groups?

Conduct about 4 groups with 7-10 participants each for a major topic.

What sample considerations exist for qualitative interviews?

Sample size depends on interview duration and frequency, focusing on data richness and saturation rather than numbers.