Chapter 4 Flashcards
What is the difference between a population and sample between qualitative and quantitative research?
- Quantitative research: A sample is drawn and analyzed to make statements about the population.
- Qualitative research: A sample is drawn and analyzed to make statements about the issues at hand concerning the population. So it is not to generalize the population, but generalize the problem.
Define probability sampling
This is where sample elements are chosen randomly with the purpose of drawing a statistically representative sample. This is a small-scale model of the population and is commonly associated with quantitative research.
Define non-probability sampling
This is where sample elements are deliberately chosen so that they can represent certain characteristics. The sample does not have to be statistically representative but rather symbolically representative.
Define statistical representation
Statistical representation involves choosing sample elements that are representative of the population. i.e. In a group of university students, there will be sub-groups which hold different qualities.
Define symbolic representation
This means the sample represents and symbolizes the relevant characteristics.
There are 4 ways in which non-probability sampling can be conducted:
- Purposive sampling
- Theoretical sampling
- Convenience sampling
- Opportunistic sampling
Define purposive sampling
This is where the researcher selects the sample based on certain criteria. They need to ensure every relevant criteria is covered and there is diversity so that the impact of one characteristic can be examined.
Define Homogenous sample
This is where cases have the same characteristics. The goal is to get a detailed picture of a particular phenomenon.
Define Heterogeneous sample
This is where the cases differ. The goal is to identify central themes that apply to different cases.
Define Extreme Case sample
These are cases which are unusual or special. The goal is to learn about a phenomenon by finding the exceptions.
Define intensity sample
Cases are a good representation of the phenomenon of interest- generally the extreme cases of the phenomenon.
Define typical case example
Where cases have characteristics that fall into the average category- detailed profiling.
Define Stratified purposive sample
These are cases which are the same in some aspects but still can be considered heterogenous - this is commonly used to identify sub-groups.
Define Critical case sample
These are cases where the outcome of the phenomenon is dramatic or in the delivery of a process.
Define theoretical sampling
A specific type of purposive sampling where the researcher bases their selection on their potential contribution to the development of the theoretical constructs.
Describe the theoretical sampling process: (4)
- Selects an initial sample.
- Analyzes the data.
- Selects a subsequent sample to expand his findings.
- Repeat until the researcher has reached theoretical saturation.
Define opportunistic sampling
This is where the researcher takes advantage of arising opportunities in fieldwork. It is a flexible approach where the sample is made based on the context of the fieldwork.
Define Convenience sampling
Unlike the other samples, this does not include a stratified method. The researcher chooses the participants based on ease of access.
What are the commonalities between purposive and theoretical sampling?
- They use predetermined selection criteria.
- The samples are naturally small.
- Those samples are expandable with additional samples.
Why is qualitative research categorized by small samples?
- At some point, a larger sample size would not provide more evidence.
- There are no sample size requirements for making statistical inferences.
- Qualitative data is rich and detailed by nature- large population size = huge amount of information.
- Qualitative research is intensive and requires a large amount of resources.
What are the several issues to consider when determining the sample size:
- More heterogeneous, the larger the sample
- More selection criteria present, the larger the sample
- The more nesting, the larger the sample
- When special groups are intensively studied, this results in a larger sample.
- The more samples used, the larger the total sample.
- The more intensive the data collection method, the larger the sample.
The larger the budget and resources that are present, the larger the sample can be.
What determines the choice between purposive and theoretical sampling?
The main determinant would be the goal of the research.
Theoretical sampling is more suited for exploratory research in unknown areas, however it is resource and time intensive.
Whereas purposive sampling is more suited towards research with more stable areas of knowledge.
Define parent population
The population where the sample is drawn from.
How would the researcher need to address when defining the population for the study? (3)
- Which group or subpopulation is of central interest within the study?
- Are there any subsets of that population that should be excluded, and why?
- Are there any additional subgroups which may be deemed relevant as the subgroup may provide contrasting or complementary insights.
How would a researcher define a multi-stage study population? (2)
- Specifying the characteristics of the collective units involved.
- Specifying the characteristics of the individuals involved within these units
When the unit is an organization, how would a researcher determine who will be relevant to include at the individual level?
As identifying the right candidate based on strict criteria may be considered quite challenging, a better approach would be to determine the categories of staff who are the best fit towards the specific research questions addressed.
What is a sample frame?
These are all of the individuals, households, or institutions within a population who may be considered to be drawn from said population.
What needs to be considered when analyzing a sample frame? (5)
- Are the dimensions of the sample frame included?
- Are these dimensions able to be adjusted and sorted in a way that you can categorize the individuals.- Is the sample frame rich in diversity and quality- given that there will be people unwilling to participate?
- Is it possible to realistically meet with the individuals or to create a group discussion geographically?
- Are the costs and time involved in using the sample frame justifiable?
Define snowballing/chain sampling:
Where the research participants are asked if they know others who meet the selection criteria.
Flow populations definition:
Where people go to a specific location which may be suiting for a certain selection criteria (i.e. a bar).
