A Research Study On Quantitative Data Collection Essay

The researchers used purposive sample but did not give any explanation as to why this choice sampling was made. It is essential to describe the sampling process in a research where this facilitates the reader to distinguish any bias in the whole sampling process. In studies using participants, the process of how to select, access, inform and retain research participants requires considerable thought. Sampling is a key issue, because it is

There are two types of collecting data for research, which are qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research is used to gain a thorough explanation about a phenomena, and ‘is normally recognisable via the use of methods that include, at least, in-depth interview and group-moderation techniques’ (Bailey 2013)

According to Acharya, Prakash, Saxena, and Nigam (2013), sampling designs are classified into two categories: probability sample and non-probability sample. Probability sampling aids in the generalizability of the results because individuals in the population have an equal chance of being selected to participate in the study (Acharya et al., 2013). With the non-probability sampling method, every individual does not have the same chances of being included (Frankfort-Nachmias, & Nachmias,

Probability sampling, also known as random sampling, requires that every member of the study population have an equal opportunity to be chosen as a study subject. For each member of the population to have an equal opportunity to be chosen, the sampling method must select members randomly. Probability sampling allows every facet of the study population to be represented without researcher bias. Four common sampling designs have been developed for selection of a random sample: simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, and systematic sampling (Burns & Grove,

Thus, this method gives a researcher an in-depth understanding of the participants’ experiences using qualitative inquiry to determine the why, when, where, what, and how of the study.

In this essay, I will appraise the sampling methods used in the following two case studies:

The systematic collection of data from large number of people, normally based on a sample of the population. This method can be fast, inexpensive and efficient, produces quantitative data and easy to replicate and generalise findings due to large sample. However there can be low response rates and demand characteristics. Structured or unstructured interviews are another method that can be used.

In order to provide the Australia Park Victoria with the appropriate data to solve its current crisis, the most appropriate method of data collection for this research is the qualitative method. According to Gay and Airasian (p 627) qualitative method is the collection of extensive data on various variables over a long time in a natural setting with an aim of acquiring insights not possible using other methods. It involves three different kinds of information collection: direct observation, in depth and open-ended interviews and written documents. Qualitative method involves use of random sampling and structured data collection instruments that fit different experiences. The method also enables the researcher to study the specific area of

Convenience sampling is a process of selecting participants for examination and analysis based on their accessibility, ease, speed, and low cost. The participants are often not purposefully or strategically selected (Brewis, 2014).

When conducting a study, it is impossible to collect data from the whole population, therefore it is important to select a representative sample because sampling makes it possible to select a representative for study and discover things that apply to many more people who are not studies (Maxfield & Babbie, 2012). The purpose of sampling is to generate a set of individuals or other entitles that give us a valid picture of all such individual or other entitles. It is important to generalise from a sample to unobserved population the sample in intended to represent. Therefore, when selecting a group of subjects for study, it is important to ensure that we represent some larger population.

It was stated in the study’s paper that “sampling was designed to enhance the diversity of perspectives heard from each study site while achieving comparable diversity between sites.”(p.1335). Sampling methods that were used to target diversity include convenience and stratified quota strategies to recruit participants

Qualitative research is conducted in a natural setting and attempts to understand a human problem by developing a holistic narrative and reporting detailed views of informants about the culture of a problem. It forms a report with pictures and words. One of the most important distinctions that sets qualitative research apart from more traditional types of research is that qualitative research is holistic in that researchers study phenomena in their entirety rather than narrowing the focus to specific defined variables” (p. 93). Similarly, Cresswell (1984) indicated that qualitative research “is defined as an inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem, based on building a holistic picture, formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting” (p. 2). Cresswell’s definition clearly delineates the major characteristics of qualitative research. Pg. 50 (Smith & Davis, 2010).

Davies selected a convenience sampling and, although not acknowledging so, a snowball sampling method, as most of the new participants she recruited were connections made by the previous participants (REFERENCE). One must therefore ask: is this sampling strategy appropriate? (Clark, 2003).

The behavior was observed from a large sample of people. This included twenty people shopping alone and twenty people shopping in a group, for a total of forty subjects, each ranging in ages from approximately 19 to 40 years old. The subjects were observed from the time they entered the store until the time they left. The reasoning behind this was to see the buying behavior differences for the whole experience and figure out which areas of the store could be improved in order to appeal to groups of people shopping. The behaviors observed included the amount of time spent inside the store, the amount of money spent, the interactions with associates, and the areas of the stores that were navigated.

Qualitative research methods are utilized to study the social and cultural phenomena. So it includes observation, participant observation (field work), interview sessions, documents and texts and finally the researcher’s imitations and feedback. [Myers, 2009]