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Essay Instructions: Sample Size
The Walden University Dissertation Rubric for Chapter 3 includes the following criteria as line item 7: "There is a justification for the number of participants, which is balanced with depth of inquiry---the fewer the participants the deeper the inquiry per individual."
Some researchers argue that one can generate meaningful research data only if one has a large sample size. Moreover, a large sample size is required in order to generalize the findings to show the potential for effecting social change. On the other hand, some researchers believe that a small number of participants can generate data that are just as meaningful because the researcher can then plumb the data to greater depths.
To prepare for this Assignment:
? Read the course text selections on sampling and sample size.

? Consider the following: Is it better to have a large sample size and not get as in-depth with participants than it is to have a small sample size and go into more depth with participants?

? Which situation will derive more meaningful data? What are the pros and cons of each choice? Which situation is supported by the literature?

? Select a position on what sample size is necessary to generate meaningful qualitative data. How would you defend your position?

? What factors contribute to the sample size you would recommend for your Qualitative Research Plan (Final Project)? What support from the literature would you use to defend your choice?


? Course Text: Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach

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o Chapter 5, "Methods: What Will You Actually Do?"
This chapter will guide you in conducting your research. It provides information about structured and unstructured approaches, negotiating research designs, site and participant selection, making decisions about data collection and analysis, and analyzing qualitative data.

? Course Text: Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook


o Chapter 2, "Research Design and Management," pp. 30 ? 37
This excerpt from Chapter 2 describes the importance and process of sampling.

? Course Text: Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods

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o Chapter 5, "Designing Qualitative Studies," pp. 230 ? 246
Read the sections "Purposeful Sampling" and "Sample Size" from Chapter 5. These excerpts provide sampling strategies and techniques for qualitative research.

Essay Instructions: IMPORTANT: PLEASE REMEMBER - THIS IS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH - NOT QUALITATIVE - BE CAREFUL NOT TO USE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH - EXAMPLES AND HELPFUL TIPS ARE ATTACHED IN THE RESOURCE FILES.

Sampling Strategy and Sample Size for a Quantitative Research Plan
Now that you have considered the impact that sampling strategy and size can have on the quality and reliability of a research study, you must now turn your attention to your own quantitative research plan. You have built your research plan over the past 5 weeks to include proper research design and measurement methods. This week, you add to this plan by deciding what sampling strategy best fits your research.
To prepare for this Application:

? Review the handout "Sample Size Analysis for Quantitative Studies" located in the Learning Resources.
? Consider what would be the best sampling strategy for your quantitative research plan. Why have you chosen that strategy?
? What considerations should you be thinking about for your sample size?
? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the sampling strategy for your research plans?
The assignment:
? Craft a 3-to 5-page paper in which you recommend the sampling strategy and sample size for your quantitative research plan. Include a rationale for why that is the best strategy and size for your plan. Refer to the literature as needed. Use the following as a framework for your paper:
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o Population
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? Population

? Size, if known, or approximate/estimated size
o Sampling
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? Type of sampling

? How the sample will be drawn

Essay Instructions: Follow the directions carefully

Critiquing Sampling Strategy and Sample Size in a Research Article

As a researcher in your field, you must be able to critically assess the chosen methods of sampling in other researchers' work. Therefore, this week's assignment prompts you to practice this skill by evaluating the sampling strategy employed in a research article. Critiquing the choices of other researchers can bring awareness to the choices you make in your own work.

To prepare for this assignment:

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? Review the assigned article listed in the Resources. (Choi)
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o Critique the sampling strategy used. What are the strengths and limitations of the study due to the sampling strategy used?


o Critique the sample size used.


o Did the author(s) justify the sample size? If not, what is the problem with that?


? Review the handout "Sample Size Analysis for Quantitative Studies" located in the Learning Resources.
With these thoughts in mind:

Write a 2- to 3-paragraph critique of the sampling strategy and sample size used in the article. Include an analysis of how sampling strategy can strengthen or weaken a quantitative research study.


Be sure to support your response with specific references to the reading and use APA format.

Essay Instructions: Developing a sampling plan requires consideration of a number of factors: The frame, sampling unit, sample size, target population, precision, and stratification (Fowler, 2002; Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). Define the sampling methods of probability, both simple random and systematic. Evaluate the usefulness of sampling as applied in a quantitative research study in your field.

References:

Fowler, F.J. (2002) Survey research methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

Leedy, P.D. & Ormrod, J.E. (2005). Practical research: Planning and design (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.