Discussion 1: Sampling Structures
Probability and nonprobability are the two general categories of sampling. Probability sampling uses random selection, whereas nonprobability
sampling does not. For example, if you wanted to study the effects of divorce on the psychological development of adolescents, you could gather a
population of a certain number of adolescents whose parents were divorced. Then, out of that population, you could randomly select 25 of those
people. If you wanted to use nonprobability sampling, you would choose specific people who had met predetermined criteria. For this Discussion,
consider how samples would be chosen for both probability and nonprobability sampling structures.
By Day 3
Post your explanation of the following:
Using your research problem and the refined question you developed in Week 4, develop two sampling structures: probability and nonprobability.
Explain who would be included in each sample and how each sample would be selected.
Be specific about the sampling structures you chose, evaluating both strengths and limitations of each.
Research Questions.
Is abstinence on its own to curb unwanted pregnancies?
Null hypothesis: Abstinence cannot curb unwanted pregnancies on its own
Relative hypothesis: Abstinence is enough to control unintended pregnancies
Literature Review.
Plummer et al. (2014) present the case of Eboni who is an excellent, young, God-fearing young lady still in high school dating an outstanding you
man who also is in the same school and possess aspirations in life just like hers. The two become actively engaged in sexual relations that results
in her pregnancy. The pregnancy becomes a contentious issue between her well-wishing mother and her God-fearing father (Logan 2011). The two become
opposed as to whether she should abort or not. Had she practised abstinence she could have averted the predicament? The same argument can be argued
based on the protagonist side of the story. She claims that the lessons on how to avoid unwanted pregnancy through the use of contraceptives are not
rooted in the activities of the organization (Plummer et al. 2014).
The research question should start first to prompt the readers of the intention of the study. The hypothesis then follows with a clear and precise
example elaborating on the mentioned research question. A research question is similar to the literature review to some extent. This is because a
report can be tested on both sides using the null and relative scenarios just the same as a literature review. The two factors mentioned above, one
is a representation of the other. They intertwine each other in bringing meaning to the sentence. Therefore in attaining appropriate and, all-round
understanding of the topic the two are used interchangeably. However, the use of one without the other can result in a shift in the opposite
direction.
References:
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014). Sessions: Case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
[Vital Source e-reader].
The Logan Family (2011).