Quiz: Research methods sampling and generalizability

What is simple random sampling?

A method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

True or False: Stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups.

True - This aims to ensure representation from various segments of the population.

Compare random sampling and convenience sampling.

Random sampling: equal chance for all. Convenience sampling: ease of access, may not represent population well.

What is systematic sampling?

A method involving selecting every nth member from a list of the population.

Fill in the blank: In __________ sampling, researchers select individuals based on specific criteria.

Purposive sampling

What is cluster sampling?

A method where the population is divided into clusters, and entire clusters are randomly selected.

True or False: Quota sampling is a type of probability sampling.

False - Quota sampling is non-probability sampling, focusing on certain characteristics.

What is convenience sampling?

A method that selects individuals based on their easy availability and proximity to the researcher.

Describe stratified sampling briefly.

Population divided into strata, then random samples taken from each stratum.

What is snowball sampling?

A non-probability method where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from their acquaintances.

Cause → Effect: What does oversampling a minority group lead to?

Increased representation but can skew results if not properly analyzed.

What is the purpose of oversampling in research?

To ensure adequate representation of minority groups for better analysis.

True or False: Probability sampling guarantees a representative sample.

False - It increases the chances but does not guarantee representation.

What is the main goal of sampling methods in research?

To obtain a sample that accurately reflects the population being studied.

Fill in the blank: __________ sampling relies on random selection without any specific criteria.

Simple random

What is the main disadvantage of convenience sampling?

It may lead to biases and unrepresentative samples, affecting generalizability.

What does generalizability mean in research?

Generalizability refers to the extent to which research findings can be applied to settings, people, or times beyond the original study.

True or False: A larger sample size always increases generalizability.

False. While larger samples can improve generalizability, they must also be representative of the population.

How does random sampling affect generalizability?

Random sampling increases the likelihood that the sample reflects the broader population, enhancing generalizability.

Fill in the blank: Generalizability is crucial for __________.

Applying research findings to real-world situations.

Comparison: Internal validity vs. generalizability.

Internal validity focuses on the accuracy of the study's conclusions, while generalizability determines applicability to other populations.

What is an example of a threat to generalizability?

Using a homogenous sample, such as only college students, limits findings to that specific group.

Cause → Effect: Non-random samples lead to __________.

Reduced generalizability of research findings.

What role does context play in generalizability?

Context affects whether findings can be applied elsewhere; different environments may yield different results.

True or False: Generalizability can be improved by replication studies.

True. Replication across diverse settings or populations supports stronger generalizability.

What are external validity and generalizability?

External validity refers to the extent research findings apply outside the study, closely linked to generalizability.

How does diversity in a sample enhance generalizability?

Diverse samples represent various subgroups, making findings more applicable to the overall population.

What is a potential limitation of case studies for generalizability?

Case studies often focus on unique cases, limiting applicability to broader populations.

Fill in the blank: __________ studies often demonstrate high generalizability.

Well-designed, large-scale surveys.

True or False: Statistical significance guarantees generalizability.

False. Statistical significance indicates a result is unlikely due to chance, not its applicability.

How does ecological validity relate to generalizability?

Ecological validity assesses if findings are applicable in real-world settings, directly impacting generalizability.

What is the relationship between sample characteristics and generalizability?

Sample characteristics must align with the population for findings to be generalizable.