Assignment: Understanding Statistics Assignment
Questions 1 and 2 are taken directly from Brase, Brase, Dolor, and Seibert Chapter 1, page 33. In case an eBook page number differs, the questions are listed below:
1. What does it mean to say that we are going to use a sample to draw an inference about a population? Why is a random sample so important for this process? If we wanted a random sample of students in the cafeteria, why couldn't we just choose the students who order Diet Pepsi with their lunch? Comment on the statement, "A random sample is like a miniature population, whereas samples that are not random are likely to be biased." Why would the students who order Diet Pepsi with lunch not be a random sample of students in the cafeteria? Need Assignment Help?
2. In your own words, explain the differences among the following sampling techniques: simple random sample, stratified sample, systematic sample, cluster sample, multistage sample, and convenience sample. Describe situations in which each type might be useful.
3. Familiarize yourself with the SPSS section on page 35. There is no submission, but please include a one sentence statement in your paper that says you reviewed the section as this will build on future weeks.
Instructions:
As doctoral students, your assignments are expected to follow the principles of high-quality scientific standards and promote knowledge and understanding in the field of criminal justice. You should apply a rigorous and critical assessment of a body of theory and empirical research, articulating what is known about the phenomenon and ways to advance research about the topic under review. Research syntheses should identify significant variables, a systematic and reproducible search strategy, and a clear framework for studies included in the larger analysis.
Assignments may be written in first person ("I").
All assignments should be clearly and concisely written, with technical material set off. Please do not use jargon, slang, idioms, colloquialisms, or bureaucratese. Use acronyms sparingly and spell them out the first time you use them. Please do not construct acronyms from phrases you repeat frequently in the text.
Structure of Assignment Paper
For purposes of this assignment, there is no layout structure required as far as the setup of this paper, with one exception. I would appreciate it if you used separate headers for question 1 and question 2. Sub-headers are also allowed but not required. Questions should strive to be no less than 500 words each with no maximum limit.
I expect all papers to be in the latest APA edition, properly cited, and additional resources used besides classroom textbooks.
As an example, in question 2 of this assignment, you may use scholarly studies to describe when these examples would be useful. While this is not necessarily required of each point, this serves as an example to help you be successful.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.