Question 1

A unit of analysis refers to the scale of measurement utilized when analyzing the demographics of a sample.

Accepted Answer

A unit of analysis refers to the main parameter that you're examining in your study or research project, such as individuals, groups, artifacts, geographical units, etc., rather than the scale of measurement used for demographics.

Question 2

A key distinction of quantitative designs is that when securing a sample, it is acceptable that the researcher's sampling plans change during the study (including the number, type, and description of the subjects to be studied).

False

Accepted Answer

In quantitative research, the sampling plan is typically established before the study begins and is expected to remain consistent throughout the study to ensure the validity and reliability of the results. Changing the sampling plan during the study could compromise the integrity of the research findings.

Question 3

In qualitative research, researchers should use theoretically defined statistical methods of sampling as required for making inferences about the population of interest.

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, sampling is typically non-statistical and purposive, focusing on selecting cases or individuals that are most informative for the research question, rather than using statistically defined methods aimed at making inferences about the population.

Question 4

Some examples of different types of performance sites in occupational therapy research include university laboratory facilities, inpatient units, outpatient rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and community-based organizations.

Accepted Answer

These locations are commonly used in occupational therapy research to study various interventions, treatments, and outcomes across different settings and populations, reflecting the diverse environments where occupational therapy services are provided.

Question 5

Because sampling error represents the degree to which the sample is representative of the population, the larger the sample error, the less representative the sample is to the population and the lower the external validity.

Accepted Answer

Sampling error refers to the discrepancy between the characteristics of a sample and those of the population from which it was drawn. A larger sampling error indicates a greater difference between the sample and the population, reducing the sample's representativeness and thereby lowering the study's external validity, which is the extent to which the results can be generalized to the broader population.

Question 6

The steps involved in sampling include these five critical steps:&#10;A) Define the population of interest, unit of analysis, performance site, and sampling approach, as well as implement the sampling procedures.&#10;B) Define the population of interest, unit of analysis, performance site, and sampling approach, as well as obtain approvals for entry.&#10;C) Define the population of interest, unit of analysis, performance site, and documentation required, as well as identify a specific time frame.&#10;D) Define the population of interest, unit of analysis, and documentation required, ensure diverse sampling, and identify a specific time frame.

Accepted Answer

The correct steps in sampling involve defining the population of interest, unit of analysis, performance site, and sampling approach, followed by implementing the sampling procedures. These steps ensure that the sample accurately represents the population and that the sampling process is conducted efficiently and effectively.

Question 7

How a subject pool is selected depends on several issues. Which of the following factors would not be included among those that define the sample?&#10;A) The specific research question&#10;B) The impact of the research proposal&#10;C) The accessibility of the population of interest&#10;D) The research approach (quantitative or qualitative)

Accepted Answer

The impact of the research proposal does not define the sample; it is an outcome or consequence of the research. Factors like the specific research question, the accessibility of the population, and the research approach directly influence how a subject pool is selected.

Question 8

Which of the following would not be a key consideration for limiting potential threats to external validity?&#10;A) Location of the study&#10;B) Statistical approach of the study&#10;C) People recruited for the study&#10;D) Timing of the study

Accepted Answer

External validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations and to other people. The statistical approach of the study primarily concerns internal validity, focusing on how well the study is conducted and whether the results are due to the variables being tested rather than other factors. Location, people recruited, and timing are all considerations that can affect generalizability and thus are related to external validity.

Question 9

When calculating a sample size, which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the relationship among variables?&#10;A) As the sample size increases, the statistical power increases.&#10;B) If variation in outcome decreases, the statistical power increases.&#10;C) If variation in outcome increases, the sample size needs to decrease.&#10;D) If the effect size decreases, the sample size needs to increase.

Accepted Answer

C is incorrect because if the variation in outcome increases, the sample size needs to increase, not decrease, to maintain the same level of statistical power.

Question 10

Please match the definition with sampling approache appropriate.

-An equivalent to random sampling, where subjects are identified from a population list according to a numeric pattern