Module Three    Sampling: Definition and Selection
Learning Objectives

  Based on the text, create definitions for the terms: population, sample, probability sample, non-probability sample, Type I error, Type II error. 
  
  Based on the text, state the primary advantages(s) for selecting probability sample and the primary advantages for selecting non-probability samples. 
  
  Based on the text, differentiate among the types / methods of probability sampling; i.e., simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster, multi-stage. 
  
  Based on the text, differentiate among the types / methods of non-probability sampling; i.e., purposeful, snowball, and convenience. 
  
  Based on the text, discuss what threat(s) to validity occurs when the sampling is biased. 

  Given an empirical research article; identify the participant(s), independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), extraneous variable(s), type (experimental or quasi-experimental), experimental group, control group, research question, research hypothesis, null hypothesis, data collection, sampling procedure, data reduction technique(s), and conclusions reached.  

Definitions 
Sample of Convenience 
Other Non-Probability Samples 
Probability Samples 
Steps in Probability Sampling 
Volunteer Samples 
Click here to access Module 3 Notes

  Article Critique

Given an empirical research article; identify the participant(s), variable(s), extraneous variable(s), research question, research hypothesis, null hypothesis, data collection, and sampling procedure.  

With your group discuss the article, "Perceived Impact of Financial Constraints on Teaching Conditions in your course packet," and answer the following: 

a. What are the variables or constructs of interest? 

b. Create a reasonable research question 

c. Identify this research question as descriptive, normative, correlative, or impact. Justify your choice. 

d. Create a reasonable research hypothesis 

e. Identify this research hypothesis as inductive or deductive. Justify your choice. 

f. Create a reasonable null hypothesis 

g. Identify extraneous variables that may be present (try to limit these to 3) .

h. Identify the procedures for data collection 

i. Identify the sampling procedure 

j. Did this research emerge primarily from a post-positivist or post-modern philosophical base? Justify your choice.

 
  Email your group's work to Dr. McConney See course syllabus for date assignment is due.

  Sampling 

With your group, consider the following research question: "For what purposes do high school students use the Internet?" 
 

1. Base on this question, define your population 

2. Base on this question, select your sampling technique 

3. Describe this technique in this context sufficiently enough that it could be carried out based solely on your written description. Will someone whom you cannot talk to directly be able to accurately carry out your intentions?

 
  Email your group's work to Dr. McConney See course syllabus for date assignment is due. 
 

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  Revisiting the Research Question

Based on the research question presented by your group in Module 2, create a research hypothesis and a null hypothesis. make sure that they are complete. 
  
  Submit your group's work on the   under the heading, "Research/Null Hypothesis", See course syllabus for date assignment is due. 

  Special Assignment for Group 7 & 10 Only

1. For this activity, make sure that you have your assigned groups. If you don't know your group, first click here to check. Then, if you are not on the list, please Dr. McConney as soon as possible. 

2. Outline Chapter 10 (pages 274-279) and all of Chapter 11 using the format of Chapter 1 outline from Module 1. 
  

  Submit your group's work on the   WebBoard under the heading, "Data Collection", See course syllabus for date assignment is due.