cj research final

the process of selecting observations

who or what we are studying

Whole group of people

The value for a given variable in a population

The summary description of a given variable in the sample

To choose a set of things from a population that accurately represents the characteristics of the whole population, you must select elements from the population in a specific way.

The range of sample statistics we will obtain if we select many samples

list of elements in our population

A measure of sampling error

the probability that the interval estimate contains the population parameter

the range of values within which a population parameter is estimated to lie

gives us a formula for estimate how closely teh sample statistics are clustered around the true value

is the ideal sample, the biggest difficulty in getting the simple random sample is getting a population list

elements in the total list are chosen for inclusion in the sample

ensures that appropriate numbers are drawn from homogenuos subsets that population

way of obtaining a sufficient number of rare cases by selecting of the disporoportionate number

Compile a stratified group sample it, then sub sample that set.

at any gien stage, you break your sample up into groups and choose X number from each group

Selecting a sample on the basis of your judgment and the purpose of the study

units are selected so that the total sample has the same distribution of characteristiscs as are assumed to exist in the population being studied

using a sample of people who re readily available to participate

You interview some individuals, and then ask them to identify others who will participate in the study, who ask others.

respondent is asked to provide his or her own answer

a numerical scale used to assess attitudes

Relevant only to some respondents - answered only based on their previous response

Same set of answer categories used by multiple questions

Useful in descriing large populations, standardized questionnaires can ensure uniform responses and measurement, protects against respondents interpreting concepts differently.

Standardized questionnaire items often represent the least common denominator in assessing people's attitudes, orientations, circumstances, and experiences, Superficial coverage of complex topics, Survey research cannot readily deal with the specific contexts of social life, Some populations might be hard to contact through customary sampling methods

is an interaction between an interviewer and a respondent where the interviewer has a general plan of inquiry, including topics to be covered.

the perspective of an individual who has experienced the phenomenon

Interview schedule: the sturcture of the interview that may have predetermined questions or topical areas to be discussed.

created standardized responds, so respondents are given the same stimulus, allowing for responses to be compared

have standardized questions but allows the interviewer to explore themes that emerge during the interview

are the most open style interviewing, Provides the most breadth, depth and natural interaction with participants.

can be used to generate hypotheses, or combined with other types of data gathering such as participant observation

a survey instrument containing the questions asked by the interviewer in an in-person or phone survey

Prompt participants to elaborate on responses by filling in more detail and depth.

Establish your role: determine if you are an insider or outsider, To gain access to a formal organization, you will need to identify yourself as a researcher and make a formal request and receive formal approval, Best to use a four-step process: sponsor, letter, phone call, and meeting, To gain access to information subcultures researchers can gain access using a sponsor or hang out where subjects hang out, Compensation might be necessary to encourage participation.

Focuses on detailed and accurate description rather than explanation

research done in natural, real-life settings outside the laboratory

Make known your position as researcher and participate with the group

Make known your position as a researcher; do not actually participate

observes without becoming a participant

Participates fully; true identity and purpose are not known to subjects -is a police officer undercover - if you are a complete participant that does not protect you from criminality

Observations are recorded as written notes, often in a field journal; first take sketchy notes and then rewrite your notes in detail

Observer mark closed-ended forms, which produce numeric measures

Low reliability - often very personal, Generalizability - Personal nature may produce findings that may not be replicated by another, Precise probability samples can't normally be drawn.

Provides great depth of understanding, Flexibility, More appropriate to measure behavior than surveys, High validity; quant. Measures - Incomplete picture

a numerical scale used to assess attitudes