This high degree of subjectivity opens the door for ethical issues, particularly if the study is being sponsored by a special interest. Third, case studies involve too much investment of time and money to be appropriate for large-scale research projects (Case studies).
Beyea and Nicoll (1997) discuss the many factors that researchers need to consider when selecting a sample for a research project. A researcher must first determine the population of interest (every person, event, or object that meets specific characteristics). If the population of interest has too many members to study, the researcher then needs to formulate a sampling strategy to obtain a subset of the population of interest. The main objective in developing a sampling strategy is to obtain unbiased samples that are representative of entire populations of interest.
Selection of a sampling method depends on the type of study design. Random sampling designs most often are used in quantitative and experimental research designs to ensure that each member or element in the populations of interest has an equal chance of being included in the study sample and to eliminate biases that may occur when selecting samples. If a population of interest cannot be defined clearly, a researcher can select a random sample using sampling designs such as random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, and systematic sampling.
Researchers may also choose to use nonprobability sampling methods in which each member or element of a specific population does not have an equal chance of being selected to participate. However, sampling bias limits the generalizability of the study results beyond the study sample. Examples include convenience sampling to save time and money, quota sampling to ensure that certain characteristics are included in study samples, and judgmental sampling to select subjects based on the study's purpose.
The researcher will also need to calculate the sample size. This is based on power, the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis, significance level, and effect size. Researchers must establish thresholds for each of these concepts and then calculate sample sizes using statistical formulas.
When preparing for data collection and analysis for the research project, a researcher should address the following tasks (Data Collection: Procedures, schedule and monitoring):
1) Determine when, where, and how often to collect the data.
2) Develop a schedule for data collection decisions made in Step 1. In addition, decide who will be responsible for each component of data collection.
3) Consider using computer-based project management systems to help coordinate the data collection efforts.
4) Periodically...
Scientific Theory Scientific Method Operational Definitions The author of this short report is asked to review a series of six claims that are supposedly scientific and fact-based in nature and review them for efficacy and whether they can be support. The author has chosen the claim that no one has ever been abducted by aliens but instead thoughts and visions are beamed into their head (Rogo, 1990). Under both the scientific method as
fixing the conceptual and operational definitions of queer men. The conceptual definition of queer men is that it is the synonym for homosexuality for gay. Homosexuality is conceptually defined as someone who has a sexual attraction to members of the same sex. In this context, the study centers on Canadian men who are sexually attracted to other men. Operational definition: this study will be investigating men who sleep with other men
Definition of Obesity The most common definition of obesity relates to the body mass index , or BMI. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health defines overweight as having a BMI of 25 or more, and obese as having a BMI of 30 or more. The BMI is basically a formula that relates one\\'s weight to one\\'s height (MedicineNet.com, 2018). The World Health Organization also uses the same definitions
While additional sales might be classified as a relatively 'happy' change in circumstances, budget overruns are a more common unexpected occurrence. Budget overruns can occur for a number of reasons -- unforeseen technological or weather problems, bureaucratic red tape and delays, or a sudden rise in input costs. To ensure that such excesses are allowed for, it is a good idea to have as realistic a view as possible of
attributes of operational variables as used in empirical research. In addition, information is provided about experimental designs, probability, experimental bias, the placebo effect, and pseudoscience. Identify a variable for scientific study that can be operationally defined. One of the most common variables that is operationally defined in psychology is intelligence. Intelligence is measured through the use of standardized tests, and reported according to the test outcomes on verbal and other
One researcher suggested that instead of seeking a strict operational definition, one should think of alcoholism as they do mountains and seasons: "you know these things when you see them" (Shaffer pp). The most common conceptual error made by clinicians, researchers, and social-policy makers is to think that addiction resides as a latent property of an object, such as a drug or game of chance (Shaffer pp). For example, conventional
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