Discussion 7: Sampling I

In Module 7, our focus was on sampling strategies, especially probability-based sampling. The assigned readings offered some perspective on the generalizability of samples used to collect web-based survey data.

In this week's discussion, I'd like to hear your perspective about the growing reliance on online data. First, given what we've reviewed about probability samples, do you think that samples taken from online platforms like MTurk are likely to be representative? Why or why not? Second, regardless of your position on this first point, what criminal justice-related subject(s) do you believe are more or less appropriate to study using web surveys?

We'll continue our consideration of sampling, and we'll also discuss web surveys a bit more, when we continue to Module 8