Self-Assessment Module 8




Introduction Instructions Resources Assessment 1. Algebraic Notation and Operations 2. Descriptive Statistics 3. Tabular Displays of Data 4. Graphical Displays of Data 5. Research Topics, Theory, Constructs, Questions, and Hypothesis 6. Research Designs 7. Measurement 8. Sampling 9. Probability 10. Basics of Inferential Statistics 11. One-Group Inferential Statistics 12. Two-Group Inferential Statistics 13. Critiquing Education and Social Science Research Answer Key		Module 8: Sampling This section assesses knowledge and skills in sampling. Sampling is commonly used in education and social science research. Question 1: What are the main reasons for drawing a sample when conducting research? A. To reduce the time and cost of data collection B. To minimize the burden on intended participants or respondents C. To focus attention on certain characteristics of interest D. To redirect resources to more intensive data collection from fewer units when that is needed for valid measurement E. All of the above Question 2: In sampling, what is a "unit of analysis"? A. How one counts in the analysis B. One type of analysis, such as analysis of variance or regression analysis C. The way you unify your analyses D. The type of entity that you intend to study-the unit may be school districts, schools, teachers, students, the clients of counselors, or any other entity of interest. E. None of the above Question 3: In sampling, what is the "population" (or "universe")? A. The full set of units of analysis to which you wish make inferences in a study B. The people in your sample C. The people not in your sample D. All the people in the country E. None of the above Question 4: In sampling, what is a "census"? A. When the Census Bureau collects data on all people residing in the U.S. B. Counting the population C. Collection of data from all units of analysis in the population D. Counting the number of units of analysis in the sample E. None of the above Question 5: In sampling, what is the "sampling frame"? A. The boundary separating the sample from the population B. A listing of units corresponding as closely as possible with the full population and from which a sample is to be drawn. C. A sample of population frames D. Anything that holds several samples together E. None of the above Question 6: In sampling, what is a "sample"? A. A subset of units of analysis drawn in a specific manner from the sampling frame for inclusion in a study B. A trial test of anything. C. A small set of units of analysis D. A sampling frame drawn randomly from the population for inclusion in the study. E. None of the above Question 7: In sampling, what is the "response rate"? A. The ratio of the sample size to the population size B. The percentage of people who give the correct response C. The percentage of the sample that permits collection or provides the data sought from all in the sample D. The reaction of the population to the sample E. None of the above Question 8: What is not a common strategy for achieving high response rates in studies of people? A. Explaining the study in a way that makes it seem important B. Explaining how the study results may help them or others they care about C. Requiring that they respond and penalizing those who do not D. Promising something valued to those who agree to cooperate with the study E. None of the above Question 9: If you initially have a low response rate, what should you do? A. Draw more units of analysis from the sampling frame to replace those units that refused or failed to respond B. Count every respondent twice C. Contact the non-respondents again encouraging their participation D. Nothing-just go on with the data analysis E. None of the above Question 10: What is the defining characteristic of random sampling? A. Units of analysis are selected from those conveniently available B. Units of analysis are selected from the population frame in a manner so that each unit in the frame has an equal chance of being selected for the sample C. Units of analysis are selected in a haphazard manner so that it cannot be replicated D. The sampling frame is drawn randomly from the population E. None of the above Question 11: What devices are commonly used by professional researchers to draw random samples? A. Random number table and numbers written on pieces of paper put in a paper bag B. Phone numbers and decks of cards C. An atomic randomizer D. A random number table and computerized random number generator E. None of the above