Research & Assessment

Question 1

What is Survey Research?

Answer 1

The method of collecting information by asking a set of pre-formulated questions in a predetermined sequence in a structured questionnaire to a sample of individuals drawn so as to be representative of a defined population.

Question 2

What is a Sample?

Answer 2

A subset of the population.

Question 3

Why is it important to use a Sample?

Answer 3

It’s too expensive, time consuming, and/or impossible to collect data on the entire population.

Question 4

What is a Sample Statistic?

Answer 4

A sample statistic is simply an estimated population parameter. Research focuses on collecting a sample of observations to make inferences about a general population.

Question 5

What’s the difference between the Decennial Census and the American Community Survey?

Answer 5

The Census attempts to county every person with a short form questionnaire. The ACS samples the population and projects findings to a larger population.

Question 6

Name two important factors a sample must meet.

Answer 6

1. You must employ a method so that each person in the population has a measurable chance at selection.
2. The sample size must be sufficient to provide statistical reliability.

Question 7

As sample size increases, what decreases?

Answer 7

Standard Error

Question 8

Is a sample of 20,000 people twice as good as a sample of 10,000 people?

Answer 8

No, there are diminishing returns with increasing sample sizes. A statistical significance table would be necessary to determine how much better the sample may be.

Question 9

What is Sampling Error?

Answer 9

It’s the error expected in probability sampling, made up of population parameters, sample size, and standard error.

Question 10

What do you call the listing of the accessible population from which you’ll draw your sample?

Answer 10

Sampling Frame

Question 11

What is convenience sampling?

Answer 11

Surveying only those who are accessible, e.g. surveying passers-by in a mall.

Question 12

What is the issue with non-probability sampling such as convenience or volunteering sampling?

Answer 12

It may introduce survey bias where data collected is not representative of the population.

Question 13

Name four types of probability sampling.

Answer 13

1. Simple Random
2. Systematic
3. Stratified
4. Cluster

Question 14

What is Simple Random Sampling?

Answer 14

Simple Random Sampling is a probability sampling method where each individual has an equal chance of being selected for the sample

Question 15

What is Systematic Sampling?

Answer 15

Systematic Sampling is a probability sampling method where every Xth individual is selected from the list, starting at a randomly chosen point.

Question 16

What is Stratified Sampling?

Answer 16

Stratified Sampling is a probability sampling method where the population may have two or more groups in the study. It provides the best results because it ensures even coverage of the population but maintains the random selection probabilities.

Question 17

What is Cluster Sampling?

Answer 17

Cluster Sampling is a probability sampling method used when stratified or simple random sampling would be difficult and/or expensive. In cluster sampling, researchers divide a population into smaller groups known as clusters. They then randomly select among these clusters to form a sample. It is used to study large populations, particularly those that are widely geographically dispersed. An example: Instead of trying to obtain a list of all 7th graders and sampling from it, you may obtain a list of all schools and collect data from a subset of these.

Question 18

Name two types of questions that can be used in a survey.

Answer 18

1. Open-ended
2. Closed-ended

Question 19

What are open-ended questions?

Answer 19

Questions for which the respondent is asked to provide his or her answers.

Question 20

What are closed-ended questions?

Answer 20

Questions in which the respondent is asked to select an answer from among a list provided by the researcher.

Question 21

Name four types of measurements.

Answer 21

1. Nominal Scale
2. Ordinal
3. Interval Scale
4. Ratio Scale