Research Design And Sampling Using Empirical Research

Research Design and Sampling Using the Empirical Research A

Assignment: Research Design and Sampling Using the empirical research article that your instructor approved in the Week 5 assignment, ask yourself: “Is this a quantitative research article or a qualitative research article?†Remember, in quantitative research , the emphasis is on measuring social phenomenon because it is assumed that everything can be observed, measured, and quantified. On the other hand, in qualitative research , it is assumed that social phenomenon cannot be easily reduced and broken down into concepts that can be measured and quantified. Instead, there may be different meanings to phenomenon and experiences. Often in qualitative research, researchers use interviews, focus groups and observations to gather data and then report their findings using words and quotations.

Consider how these different methods affect the sampling design and recruitment strategy, and ask yourself how the recruitment of research participants will affect the findings. For this Assignment, submit a 3-4 page paper. Complete the following: Read your selected empirical research article, and identify whether the study is a quantitative or qualitative study. Justify the reasons why you believe it is a quantitative or qualitative study. (Your instructor will indicate to you if you are correct in identifying the research design. This will point you to whether you will use the “Quantitative Article and Review Critique†or the “Qualitative Article and Review Critique†guidelines for the final assignment in week 10.) Using the empirical research article, focus on the sampling method in the study and begin to evaluate the sampling method by answering the following: Describe the sampling methods in your own words (paraphrase, do not quote from the article).

Describe the generalizability or the transferability of the research finding based on the sampling method. Discuss the limitations the article identified with the sample and how those limitations affect the reliability or credibility. Explain one recommendation you would make to improve the sampling plan of the study that would address these limitations in future research. Reference List/use the attached article as a reference

Paper For Above instruction

The empirical research article selected for this evaluation aims to determine whether the study employs a quantitative or qualitative research design. Based on a thorough reading of the article, it appears to align more closely with a qualitative research methodology. This conclusion is drawn from the nature of data collection methods, which primarily involve in-depth interviews and participant observations. Unlike quantitative studies that emphasize numerical measurement and statistical analysis, qualitative research focuses on understanding complex social phenomena, capturing participants’ perspectives, and exploring meanings through rich textual data (Creswell, 2014). The researchers in this study did not rely on structured surveys or standardized measurement instruments, but instead gathered detailed narratives and quotations from participants, which underscores the exploratory and interpretive nature characteristic of qualitative research (Merriam & Tisdell, 2015).

The justification for categorizing the research as qualitative is reinforced by its aim to explore experiences, perceptions, and contextual factors that influence the phenomena under investigation. The study seeks to understand the subjective interpretations of participants, an approach typical of qualitative inquiry, which values depth over breadth. Therefore, the emphasis on experiential descriptions and thematic analysis further supports the classification as a qualitative study. The identification of the research design is crucial because it influences the subsequent critique of sampling methodologies and the applicability of findings.

Focusing on the sampling methods used in the study, the authors employed a purposive sampling strategy. This involved selecting individuals who met specific criteria relevant to the research questions, such as having experienced particular social or environmental conditions pertinent to the study’s focus. The researchers actively sought out participants who could provide rich, relevant insights into the phenomena, rather than aiming for statistically representative samples. This approach ensured depth of understanding, although it limited the generalizability of the findings, which is typical of qualitative research.

Regarding the transferability of the research findings, the sampling method’s focus on purposive selection means that the results are context-specific and not broadly generalizable to larger populations. Instead, the findings are transferable to similar contexts or groups that share key characteristics with the study sample. The limited scope and non-random nature of the sample restrict the ability to extend the conclusions beyond the studied participants. This is consistent with qualitative research principles, which prioritize transferability over external validity.

The article acknowledges certain limitations related to the sample, notably the small sample size and the non-random selection process. These limitations impact the credibility and reliability of the study by introducing potential biases and restricting the diversity of perspectives captured. For instance, the reliance on purposive sampling means that the findings may reflect specific experiences that do not encompass broader trends or variations present in larger populations. Such limitations underscore the importance of cautious interpretation of the results and suggest that further research with varied sampling strategies is necessary for broader validation.

To address the identified limitations, one recommendation for future research is to incorporate a mixed sampling approach that combines purposive sampling with elements of purposive or stratified random sampling. This would enable researchers to broaden the diversity of participants while maintaining focus on relevant subgroups, thereby enhancing the richness and transferability of data. Additionally, increasing the sample size and ensuring inclusion of varied demographic groups could improve the robustness of findings and facilitate more comprehensive insights into the phenomena.

In conclusion, understanding the sampling strategies and their implications is essential for evaluating the credibility of qualitative research. While purposive sampling allows for in-depth exploration of specific phenomena, it limits the extent to which the findings can be generalized. Addressing these limitations through more diverse and inclusive sampling methods can strengthen future research efforts and contribute to more credible and applicable knowledge in the field.

References

• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
• Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Jossey-Bass.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How Many Interviews Are Enough? Field Methods, 18(1), 59–82.
• Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Sage Publications.
• Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative Research. Sage Publications.
• Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Leech, N. L. (2007). Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research: Opportunities and Challenges. The Counseling Psychologist, 35(2), 261-304.
• Sandelowski, M. (1995). Sample Size in Qualitative Research. Research in Nursing & Health, 18(2), 179-183.
• Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
• Patton, M. Q. (2011). Developmental Evaluation: Applying Complexity Concepts to Enhance Innovation and Use. Guilford Press.