Discussion:
All about samples and populations
1. How does cost play a factor in whether researchers use a sample or the total population? There are several types of random sampling. What are the different types of random sampling?
2. When is it best to use what kind of study or population?
3. How does the researcher decide which type of randomization to use?
4. One example is a convenience sample. When do you think researchers use this?
5. The most "famous" convenience sample is psych 100 college students, especially on large campuses. Why would they be a convenience sample?
6. What population could you generalize to if you use a class of psych 100 students as your sample?
7. Could they extend beyond their own "group"?
8. What considerations would you have to make if you used this kind of class for your sample and wanted to then generalize to everyone else?
9. What is the goal of using the sample? What are researchers trying to do?