week 9 discussion soc research

Week 9: Sampling

As you might expect, it is impossible to study the entirety of any particular population. However, researchers can collect data for their studies from a sample of that population. The characteristics of the sample are important for generalizability—the extent to which research findings can be applicable to a larger population. To support generalizability, the sample should be as much like the population as possible and a large enough size to mitigate the chance of differences. 

This week, you explore sampling and select a sampling technique for your research. Additionally, you begin to compile information and plans for your proposed study into a formal research proposal. Part 1 is due this week, and you will submit Part 2 next week.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Identify the population and sample for a proposed research study

· Analyze the needs of the research study to determine an appropriate sampling method

· Analyze ethical and cultural considerations related to research study population

· Write a social work research proposal 

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.

· Page 128 (Review)

· Chapter 9: Sampling Issues and Options (pp. 202–222)

Gordon, B. G. (2020). Vulnerability in research: Basic ethical concepts and general approach to review. The Ochsner Journal, 20(1), 34–38. https://doi.org/10.31486/toj.19.0079

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections. (2018, January 15). The Belmont report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research. https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/read-the-belmont-report/index.html

Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services. (n.d.). Red flag issues that should trigger a research ethics consultation with the Institutional Review Board. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center/research-ethics/red-flags

Document: Research Proposal Template (Word document)

Optional Resource

Sankaré, I. C., Bross, R., Brown, A. F., del Pino, H. E., Jones, L. F., Morris, D. M., Porter, C., Lucas, W. A., Vargas, R., Forge, N., Norris, K. C., & Kahn, K. L. (2015). Strategies to build trust and recruit African American and Latino community residents for health research: A cohort study. CTS: Clinical & Translational Science, 8(5), 412–420. https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12273

Discussion: Population and Sampling

Probability and nonprobability are the two general categories of sampling. Probability sampling uses random selection, whereas nonprobability sampling does not. For example, if you wanted to study the effects of divorce on the psychological development of adolescents, you could gather a population of a certain number of adolescents whose parents were divorced. Then, out of that population, you could randomly select 25 of those people. If you wanted to use nonprobability sampling, you would choose specific people who had met predetermined criteria. Consider your own proposed study: Which of these sampling techniques might be best for your purposes?

In this Discussion, you identify the population, sample, and sampling technique for your study. You then consider ethical or cultural issues related to the population that you should address.

To Prepare:

· Review the Learning Resources on sampling in research and on ethics related to vulnerable populations. 

By Day 3

Restate your research question and your chosen methodological approach. Then, identify the population, sample, and sampling technique that would best address your research question and approach. Justify your choices.  What are some ethical and cultural concerns that need to be addressed with this population if studied?

Please use the Learning Resources and the NASW Code of Ethics to support your post (i.e., cite and reference).

By Day 6

Respond to two colleagues by providing feedback on their choice of population, sample, and sampling technique. How do their choices fit with the research question and research methodological approach?

Please use the Learning Resources and the NASW Code of Ethics to support your response (i.e., cite and reference).