Week Two - Sampling & Ethics Flashcards
Define Population.
Entire collection of events in which we are interested
E.G., Reading ability of children with ADHD (population is all children with ADHD)
Define Parameters.
Numerical values that summarise the population data
E.G., Mean (μ - mu)
What is a Sample?
Set of actual observations the scores we have in our hands
What is a Statistic?
Numerical values used to summarise the sample data
E.G., mean (x)
What does the Standard Deviation do?
Provides an index of how well our model fits the data.
What is the main aim of Scientific Research?
To generalise beyond the specific sample.
What are the 2 types of ‘Populations’?
Tangible & Abstract
What is a Tangible Population?
Populations whose members exist at the time of sample (participants in study). E.g., 2020 UTAS Students
What is an Abstract Population?
Populations whose members may not all exist at the same time. E.g., 25-35 YO
What is meant by a Probability Sample?
If a population can be specified in advance and each member has some chance of being included it is a probability sample.
What are the 4 types of Probability Samples?
Simple random sample
Stratified random sample
Systematic samples
Cluster samples
Define the key idea surrounding Simple Random Sample.
Every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected
E.G., All full time/part time uni students at UTAS are contacted by email, phone and social media and are invited to participate.
LIMITATION
- However, random nature could result in sample not being representative of the population
Define the key idea regarding Stratified Random Sample.
Explicitly designed to ensure the sample is representative
Population is divided into subgroups (eg male, female, 1st year, 2nd year)
Final sample will consist of the same proportions as those of the subgroup in the population.
Define Systematic Samples
Sample every nth individual (or event)
Which of the first n individuals is the starting point is determined randomly
Define Cluster Samples
Determine relevant ‘clusters’ that exist in the population and define them (schools, suburbs etc)
Randomly select a predetermined number of clusters
Collect data from every person in the selected clusters
Useful when interventions cannot practically be assigned to individuals.
Define Nonprobability Samples
If some individuals in the population have no chance (0 probability) of being included it is called a nonprobability sample
What are the 4 forms of Nonprobability Samples?
Purposive samples
Convenience samples
Quota samples
Snowball samples
Define Purposive Samples.
Population is initially defined, but there are exclusion and inclusion criteria
Individuals that satisfy inclusion criteria are potential participants
Included participants differ in a systematic way from non included participants
E.G., right handed, smoker, age
Define Convenience Samples.
Sample is drawn from an easily available group, not general population
May or not include inclusion/exclusion criteria
Examples: First-year psychology students; UTas employees
Define Quota Samples.
Sampling goal is to have a given proportion of individuals of certain characteristics
Individuals with those characteristics are sought until the relevant proportions are achieved
Differs from stratified sample in that researcher samples until relevant slots are filled and doesn’t specify in advance where they will come from
Define Snowball Samples.
Researcher identifies individuals with relevant characteristics
Those individuals are then asked to recruit participants with similar characteristics
What are 3 key sampling problems?
Low response rate (eg phone calls)
- Results of study generalise to those with characteristics
similar to those that participated
Refusal to participate
- Results of study generalise to those with characteristics
similar to those that participated
Attrition (continuous)
- Problematic when there is differential attrition
What is the Nuremberg Code?
The groundwork for many of the current ethical standards for Psychological and Medical Research.
A 10 point Nuremberg Code was developed following the war trials.
Key aspects of the Nuremberg Code
Participation of subjects must be totally voluntary
The research should yield results that are useful to society
The research should have a sound footing in animal research
Steps should be taken in the research to avoid harm
Research should not be conducted if there is reason to believe that death or disability will occur to the subjects
Risks proportional to benefits
Proper plans and facilities
Conducted only by qualified scientists
Withdrawal
Discontinue of experiment
What are the key 3 criteria of the APA?
- Contribute to science and human welfare
- Be carried out with respect and welfare for participants
- Obey laws and professional conduct
What are the 6 key criteria (NHMRC) for research?
- Respect for persons
- Beneficence
- Justice
- Responsibility
- Competence
- Propriety
What are the 6 core values that need to be demonstrated in ATSI research?
- Spirit & Integrity
- Cultural Continuity
- Equity
- Reciprocity
- Respect
- Responsibility
What is the Human Research Ethics Committee’s (HREC) primary role?
Protect the welfare and the rights of participants in research
Why is research consisting of deception considered not ethical?
Because they are contrary to the principle of respect for persons in that ‘free and fully informed consent cannot be given’ in these situations.
3 scientific misconduct examples.
Misleading statements
Fabrication of data
Suppression of findings
