Discussion: Sampling and Collecting Quantitative and Qualitative Data
It is often not possible or practical to study an entire population, so researchers draw samples from which they make inferences about a population of interest. In quantitative research, where generalization to a population is typically valued, a researcher's ability to make such inferences is only as good as the sampling strategy she or he uses to obtain the sample. Once an appropriate sample has been obtained, data collection should involve valid and reliable measures to ensure confidence in the results, as well as the ability to generalize the research outcomes. Although generalization is typically not a goal in qualitative research, sampling is just as important in qualitative and mixed methods research, as is obtaining reliable and valid results. Indeed, for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research, sampling strategies and accurate data collection methods are critical aspects of the research process.
Specific methods of data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations) produce specific types of data that will answer particular research questions, but not others; so here too, as covered in previous weeks, the research questions inform how the data will be obtained. Furthermore, the method used to collect the data may impact the reliability and the validity of that data.
For this Discussion, you will first consider sampling strategies. Then, you will turn your attention to data collection methods, including their strengths, limitations, and ethical implications. Last, you will consider measurement reliability and validity in the context of your discipline.
With these thoughts in mind, if your last name starts with A through L, use Position A. If your last name starts with M through Z, use Position B.
Position A: Probability sampling represents the best strategy for selecting research participants.
Position B: Nonprobability (or purposive) sampling represents the best strategy for selecting research participants.
Post a restatement of your assigned position on sampling strategies. Defend your position with examples and support from the scholarly literature. Next, select a data collection method and briefly explain its strengths and limitations. Then, identify a potential ethical issue with this method and describe a strategy to address it. Last, explain the relationship between measurement reliability and measurement validity using an example from your discipline.
Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week's Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.
2. : Annotate Assignmentd Bibliography
Submit: Annotated Bibliography
This week, you will submit the annotated bibliography introduced in Week 3.
An annotated bibliography is a document containing selected sources accompanied by a respective annotation. Each annotation consists of a summary, analysis, and application for the purpose of conveying the relevance and value of the selected source. As such, annotations demonstrate a writer's critical thinking about and authority on the topic represented in the sources.
In preparation for your own future research, an annotated bibliography provides a background for understanding a portion of the existing literature on a particular topic. It is also a useful precursor for gathering sources in preparation for writing a subsequent literature review.
Locate six articles on a research topic of your interest-two quantitative research articles, two qualitative research articles, and two mixed methods research articles-published in peer-reviewed journals.
Prepare an annotated bibliography that includes the following:
A one-paragraph introduction that provides context for why you selected the research articles you did.
A reference list entry in APA Style for each of the six articles that follows proper formatting. Follow each reference list entry with a three-paragraph annotation that includes:
A summary
An analysis
An application as illustrated in this example
A one-paragraph conclusion that presents a synthesis of the six articles.
Format your annotated bibliography in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced. A separate References list page is not needed for this assignment.