SOC 2805 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Sample Size Determination, Random Assignment, Experiment
This chapter presents essential steps in designing quantitative methods for research
proposal study. The methods section of a quantitative research proposal follows a standard form
including participants, materials, procedures and measures. It includes information on the design
of the study including the specific type of experiment.
Chapter eight begins with a discussion of survey design. The chapter also discusses the
components of the survey method plan and then moves on to the specifics of the survey design.
This is illustrated through the outlining of steps for a survey study beginning with a discussion of
the purpose, the identification of a population, the sample, the survey instruments, the
relationship between the variables, the research questions, specific items on the survey, and steps
be taken in the analysis and interpretation of the data from the survey.
Quantitative Methods
Defining Surveys and Experiments
• A survey design provides a quantitative description of trends, attitudes, or opinions of a
population by studying a sample.
• The researcher generalizes or draws inferences to the population based on the results
obtained from the study sample.
• In an experimental design, the basic intent is to test the impact of the treatment on an
outcome, controlling for all other factors. This may include random assignment of
individuals to groups.
Components of a Survey Method Plan
The Survey Design
• The first parts of the methods section can introduce readers to the basic purpose and
rationale for the research.
• Identify the purpose of survey research. This purpose is to generalize from sample to a
population so that inferences can be made.
• Indicate why is survey is the preferred type of data collection procedure for the study.
• Indicate whether the survey will be cross-sectional or longitudinal.
• Specify the form of data collection.
The Population and Sample
• Follow the type of design with characteristics of the population and the sampling
procedure. Essential aspects of the population and sample describe include:
• Identify the population in the study. Include the size of this population, if the size can be
determined.
• Identify whether the sampling design for this population a single stage or multistage.
• Identify the selection process. Random sampling is ideal. Each individual in the
population has an equal probability of being selected. This provides the ability to
generalize to the population.
• Identify whether the study will involve stratification of the population. In order to
stratify, and characteristics of the population must be known. In stratification specific
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
This chapter presents essential steps in designing quantitative methods for research proposal study. The methods section of a quantitative research proposal follows a standard form including participants, materials, procedures and measures. It includes information on the design of the study including the specific type of experiment. Chapter eight begins with a discussion of survey design. The chapter also discusses the components of the survey method plan and then moves on to the specifics of the survey design. In an experimental design, the basic intent is to test the impact of the treatment on an outcome, controlling for all other factors. This may include random assignment of individuals to groups. The survey design: the first parts of the methods section can introduce readers to the basic purpose and rationale for the research. This purpose is to generalize from sample to a population so that inferences can be made.
