Question 1

All of the following types of studies represent research where the researchers are not interested in generalizing from a sample to population, EXCEPT:&#10;A) An entire population is being studied.&#10;B) A pilot study is testing a specific research procedure.&#10;C) A study is used for a developmental test of a theory.&#10;D) A small sample is used due to resource constraints.

Accepted Answer

When a small sample is used due to resource constraints, researchers may still be interested in generalizing the findings to a larger population, despite the limitations.

Question 2

What is the main reason for researchers to describe their sample in sufficient detail?&#10;A) So that study participants could identify themselves in the published research report.&#10;B) So that the readers could guess correctly the identities of study participants.&#10;C) So that the readers could get a better sense of what the study participants are like.&#10;D) So that the study is accepted for publication in a high-quality journal.

Accepted Answer

Describing the sample in sufficient detail allows readers to have a better understanding of the characteristics of the study participants, which can enhance the generalizability and applicability of the findings. It also allows for transparency in the research process and facilitates replication of the study.

Question 3

What is the type of research question that should NOT be studied on a convenience sample of college students?&#10;A) How is the choice of college major related to parents' occupation?&#10;B) How are pension fund investment decisions related to retirement age proximity?&#10;C) How are childhood conduct problems related to adolescents' substance use?&#10;D) How is the likelihood of cheating related to the fear of punishment?

Accepted Answer

The research question about pension fund investment decisions and retirement age proximity would be better suited for a sample of individuals who are closer to retirement age, rather than just college students. College students may not have enough experience or knowledge about pension funds and retirement planning to provide accurate responses for this study.

Question 4

The following statements reflect correctly the assessment of what constitutes appropriate sample size for pilot studies, EXCEPT:&#10;A) There is no uniform standard for a sample size necessary in pilot studies.&#10;B) Very preliminary studies are often conducted using exceedingly small samples.&#10;C) For a purposive sample, the size is often determined by the availability of participants meeting specific criteria.&#10;D) Saturation sample is reached when the researchers reach a burnout point in the study.

Accepted Answer

Saturation sample is not related to burnout point in the study, rather it is a point where no new themes or information emerges from the data analysis. Therefore, the statement that "saturation sample is reached when the researchers reach a burnout point in the study" is incorrect.

Question 5

Which one of the following statements correctly reflects research involving studies where researchers do not generalize?&#10;A) Many qualitative studies with purposive samples have fewer than 15 participants.&#10;B) Quantitative studies with smaller samples can be published more easily.&#10;C) If a study involves an entire population, the researchers do not need to describe it in detail.&#10;D) Informed consent is only needed for qualitative but not quantitative studies.

Accepted Answer

The statement correctly reflects research involving studies where researchers do not generalize because these types of studies often use purposive sampling, which involves selecting participants based on specific characteristics and not intended for generalizability. This may result in smaller sample sizes, such as fewer than 15 participants.

Options B, C, and D are not correct because:

B) There is no evidence to support that smaller sample sizes in quantitative studies make it easier to publish.

C) Researchers should still describe the population in detail, regardless of whether the study involves an entire population or a smaller sample.

D) Informed consent is necessary for both qualitative and quantitative studies.

Question 6

The following statements about qualitative studies of pilot projects or theory testing are correct, EXCEPT:&#10;A) If no explicit criteria are used to select a sample, it is not purposive but simply a sample of convenience.&#10;B) Even if true identities of the study participants are disguised, the sample or population should still be described in enough detail.&#10;C) Informed consent is not necessary for qualitative studies of entire populations.&#10;D) There is no clear standard of adequate sample size for a qualitative study.

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is necessary for all research studies, including qualitative studies, regardless of whether they are studying entire populations or not.

Deck 7: Evaluating Samples When Researchers Do Not Generalize