Sampling in quantitative research
The term ‘data processing error’ refers to:
Activities or events related to the sampling process, e.g. non-response
Faulty techniques of coding and managing data
Problems with the implementation of the research process
The unavoidable discrepancy between the sample and the population
Faulty techniques of coding and managing data
Figure 8.9 displays the “four sources of error in social survey research” (p194), including ‘data-processing’ error. As the term implies, this is an error which occurs at the time of processing the data rather than at the time of preparing for it or even gathering it. The typical processing error crops up in coding answers given in questionnaires. It is true that faulty questionnaire construction may ‘breed’ errors at the processing stage, so that great care must be taken at the implementation phase and while there is, indeed, a standard ‘error’ between the averages of samples and populations, this is a statistical expression rather than a human mistake.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 194
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 194
Faulty techniques of coding and managing data Figure 8.9 displays the “four sources of error in social survey research” (p194), including ‘data-processing’ error. As the term implies, this is an error which occurs at the time of processing the data rather than at the time of preparing for it or even gathering it. The typical processing error crops up in coding answers given in questionnaires. It is true that faulty questionnaire construction may ‘breed’ errors at the processing stage, so that great care must be taken at the implementation phase and while there is, indeed, a standard ‘error’ between the averages of samples and populations, this is a statistical expression rather than a human mistake.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 194
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 194
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The findings from a study of young single mothers at a university can be generalised to the population of:A. All young single mothers at that university
B. All young single mothers in that society
C. All single mothers in all universities
D. All young women in that university
A simple random sample is one in which:
A. From a random starting point, every nth unit from the sampling frame is selected
B. A non-probability strategy is used, making the results difficult to generalize
C. The researcher has a certain quota of respondents to fill for various social groups
D. Every unit of the population has an equal chance of being selected
Which of the following is not a characteristic of quota sampling?
A. The researcher chooses who to approach and so might bias the sample
B. Those who are available to be surveyed in public places are unlikely to constitute a representative sample
C. The random selection of units makes it possible to calculate the standard error
D. It is a relatively fast and cheap way of finding out about public opinions
It is helpful to use a multi-stage cluster sample when:
A. The population is widely dispersed geographically
B. You have limited time and money available for travelling
C. You want to use a probability sample in order to generalise the results
D. All of the above
Snowball sampling can help the researcher to:
A. Access deviant or hidden populations
B. Theorise inductively in a qualitative study
C. Overcome the problem of not having an accessible sampling frame
D. All of the above
Which of the following is not a type of non-probability sampling?
A. Snowball sampling
B. Stratified random sampling
C. Quota sampling
D. Convenience sampling
A sampling frame is:
A. A summary of the various stages involved in designing a survey
B. An outline view of all the main clusters of units in a sample
C. A list of all the units in the population from which a sample will be selected
D. A wooden frame used to display tables of random numbers
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