Week Two - Sampling & Ethics

Question 1

Define Population.

Answer 1

Entire collection of events in which we are interested

E.G., Reading ability of children with ADHD (population is all children with ADHD)

Question 2

Define Parameters.

Answer 2

Numerical values that summarise the population data

E.G., Mean (μ - mu)

Question 3

What is a Sample?

Answer 3

Set of actual observations the scores we have in our hands

Question 4

What is a Statistic?

Answer 4

Numerical values used to summarise the sample data

E.G., mean (x)

Question 5

What does the Standard Deviation do?

Answer 5

Provides an index of how well our model fits the data.

Question 6

What is the main aim of Scientific Research?

Answer 6

To generalise beyond the specific sample.

Question 7

What are the 2 types of ‘Populations’?

Answer 7

Tangible & Abstract

Question 8

What is a Tangible Population?

Answer 8

Populations whose members exist at the time of sample (participants in study). E.g., 2020 UTAS Students

Question 9

What is an Abstract Population?

Answer 9

Populations whose members may not all exist at the same time. E.g., 25-35 YO

Question 10

What is meant by a Probability Sample?

Answer 10

If a population can be specified in advance and each member has some chance of being included it is a probability sample.

Question 11

What are the 4 types of Probability Samples?

Answer 11

Simple random sample
Stratified random sample
Systematic samples
Cluster samples

Question 12

Define the key idea surrounding Simple Random Sample.

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Define the key idea regarding Stratified Random Sample.

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Define Systematic Samples

Answer 14

Sample every nth individual (or event)

Which of the first n individuals is the starting point is determined randomly

Question 15

Define Cluster Samples

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Define Nonprobability Samples

Answer 16

If some individuals in the population have no chance (0 probability) of being included it is called a nonprobability sample

Question 17

What are the 4 forms of Nonprobability Samples?

Answer 17

Purposive samples
Convenience samples
Quota samples
Snowball samples

Question 18

Define Purposive Samples.

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Define Convenience Samples.

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Define Quota Samples.

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Define Snowball Samples.

Answer 21

Researcher identifies individuals with relevant characteristics

Those individuals are then asked to recruit participants with similar characteristics

Question 22

What are 3 key sampling problems?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

What is the Nuremberg Code?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Key aspects of the Nuremberg Code

Answer 24

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

Question 25

What are the key 3 criteria of the APA?

Answer 25

1. Contribute to science and human welfare
2. Be carried out with respect and welfare for participants
3. Obey laws and professional conduct

Question 26

What are the 6 key criteria (NHMRC) for research?

Answer 26

1. Respect for persons
2. Beneficence
3. Justice
4. Responsibility
5. Competence
6. Propriety

Question 27

What are the 6 core values that need to be demonstrated in ATSI research?

Answer 27

1. Spirit & Integrity
2. Cultural Continuity
3. Equity
4. Reciprocity
5. Respect
6. Responsibility

Question 28

What is the Human Research Ethics Committee’s (HREC) primary role?

Answer 28

Protect the welfare and the rights of participants in research

Question 29

Why is research consisting of deception considered not ethical?

Answer 29

Because they are contrary to the principle of respect for persons in that ‘free and fully informed consent cannot be given’ in these situations.

Question 30

3 scientific misconduct examples.

Answer 30

Misleading statements
Fabrication of data
Suppression of findings