Description
To prepare for this assessment, ensure that you have identified the population to be considered in your research concept. This should begin as a general population for which the research problem exists, then a specific population (target population). Explain why the sampling type and design are the best for addressing the population described. Include a rationale for your sample size. Be sure to cite to support your justification. And finally, complete the media pieces to deepen your understanding.
Introduction
Developing the research topic required identifying a population. Identifying and defining the population, along with sampling the population, will be the focus of this assessment. Defining the population tends to be general, as it relates to the research topic. For example, if the researcher is interested in studying a population with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), the researcher will need to define this population: all people who have had a mild TBI. A sample is a specific group of the general population that is accessible to the researcher. It should also connect to the research topicfor example, male college athletes who play football at state schools across the United States.
Sampling design is needed to identify how the sample will be accessed. The type of sampling reveals how the sample will be selected. Page 150 of the Creswell text provides definitions and descriptions of the population, sampling design, and types of sampling. The population and sample must be addressed in the concept paper under the methodology. Use scholarly literature to define and describe the population. Identify the sampling design and type of sampling. Explain why this sampling approach is fitting.
Overview
Complete a draft of your population and sample. Complete the Population and Sample sections of the Concept Paper Template [DOCX]. Describe the population in one paragraph (5-7 sentences). Include characteristics of the population that make the population a focus for research. Describe the sample, sampling design, and sampling type, sample size, in another paragraph (5-7 sentences). Use the course text to guide your selection and to provide a rationale for your choices.
Instructions
Population and Sample
Describe the general population, the target population (include a description of the social setting), and studys sample. Consider this example when describing the population:
- The general population (i.e., students with disabilities).
- Target population (i.e. students with disabilities in one specific district – geographic location).
- The study sample (students with disabilities in the district that will participate in the study – actual study sample).
Identify the sampling strategy, provide a sample size appropriate for the study design, include a justification. When describing the sample size provide evidence that the sample size is adequate for the research design. You can use the Which Statistical Analysis Should You Use? tool to find the appropriate statistical test. As a general rule of thumb, consider the following:
- Absolute Minimum: 50 cases or participants applicable to studies that use frequencies/descriptive statistics and parametric statistical tests (t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, regression analysis)additional requirements related to the use of certain statistical analysis procedures may increase that number. Survey research = 10 subjects per survey question.
- An a-priori Power Analysis is required to justify the study sample size based on the anticipated effect size and selected design. Include this in addition to using the literature to support your choices.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 4: Embrace, respect, and respond to individual differences and diversity in the practice of psychology.
- Describe the population from which the sample will be taken that represents a sampling of the general population in a way that respects diversity, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and gender.
- Describe the sample that would come from the population.
- Competency 5: Communicate psychological concepts effectively using the professional standards of the discipline.
- Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.
