Purpose of research that does not seek to generalize
Why do researchers typically study samples?
In order to make inferences about the populations from which they were drawn
What are some relevant demographics that should be described in sufficient detail?
Age, race/ethnicity, marital status, number of children, level of education, employment
What is a common sample size for qualitative samples?
Less than 15 is considered acceptable
What is the name of the procedure for ensuring that research participants understand what is being done to them, the limits of their participation and awareness of any potential risks they incur”?
Informed consent
What are studies that test predictions about a relationship between concepts?
Theory studies
How do you determine what is an appropriate sample size for a purposive sample?
Determined by the availability of participants who fit the sampling profile
If there is a purposive sample, can researchers rely on a convenience sample? If not, what must they describe?
No, they must list the criteria that the participants meet in order to be included in the sample
If the study involves human subjects, what is required in order to ensure that research is ethical?
Approval from the IRB (ethics review process)
What is the purpose of a pilot study?
The purpose if to determine the feasibility of
methods for studying specific research problems.
Why is it important for the researcher to use a sample with relevant demographics (in a pilot study or developmental test of a theory?)?
It will reveal little relevant information about the study
What is a common sample size for quantitative samples?
No set number, but using a small sample size for quantitative research is considered a serious flaw
Is informed consent necessary when conducting research that will not generalize?
Yes, it applies whether the study is to be generalized or not
Why might researchers prefer purposive samples over random samples?
Because the researcher has a special interest in a characteristic that makes them rich sources of information
Daily Double!
What is saturation referring to when recruiting a sample?
There are many potential participants who meet the standard of a purposive samples, so when there is no new information, the researchers stop recruiting more people
Does a population always have to be clearly described? If not, what are the exceptions?
Not always. Sometimes the true identity of the population in question is disguised for ethical and legal reasons, or if the results reflect negatively on the population
Daily Double!
What are the three components of evidence-based practice?
- theory
- research
- experience and knowledge accumulated over time