Modules

Module Three    Selecting a Sample
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 for selecting probability samples 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, convenience. 
  
  Based on the text, discuss the threats to validity when the sampling is biased. 

  Given an empirical research article; identify the participant(s), independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), extraneous variable(s), research approach and type, research question, research hypothesis, null hypothesis, data collection, sampling procedure, results, and conclusions reached.  

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

On-line Activities

Readings
Read Chapter 4 (Selecting a Sample)

  Research Article Analysis

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. What might be a reasonable research question?

c. Does this research article take a qualitative or quantitative approach? Also identify the likely research type (survey [descriptive], correlational, causal-comparative, experimental, action research, historical, ethnographic, or grounded theory). Justify your choice. 

d. What might be a reasonable research hypothesis?

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

f. What might be a reasonable null hypothesis?

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

h. Identify the procedures used for data collection. 

i. Identify the sampling procedure employed?

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 or to Dr. Abalos 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. Based on this research question, define a population from which you might draw a sample.

2. Based on this question, select a sampling technique that you would use in choosing a sample. 

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 or to Dr. Abalos 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. 
  
  Submit your group's work on the   under the heading, "Research/Null Hypothesis" See course syllabus for date assignment is due. 

Please note: this WebBoard link is for Dr. McConney's section only.

Dr. Abalos' students please open another window in your browser, and log on to http://onyx.fgcu.edu/~134

 

Please note: this WebBoard link is for Dr. McConney's section only.

Dr. Abalos' students please open another window in your browser, and log on to http://onyx.fgcu.edu/~134