Selection of the appropriate sample is critical to the reliability and validity of research methodology. The sample must be representative of the population that is being studied. Researchers often report both the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the sample. There are many different methods for selecting a sample and random sampling provides the high control of outside variables but is often difficult to utilize in many studies.
For this Discussion, please review the following:
- For this assignment, read the article by Zaccari, Callahan, Storzback, & McFarlane (2020), listed in the resource section for this week.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
By Day 3
Prepare at least a 350-word post discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the sampling method used in this study and if the sampling method promoted reliable and valid results. Include in the discussion if there is anything the researcher could have done to improve the sampling process.
Note: Post a 3-paragraph (at least 350 words) response. Be sure to use evidenceLinks to an external site., in-text citationsLinks to an external site., and essay-levelLinks to an external site. writing skills, including the use of transitional materialLinks to an external site. and organizational framesLinks to an external site.. Use the writing resources and the Discussion Rubric to develop your post.
By Day 7
Read two or more of your colleagues’ postings from the Discussion question.
Respond to two or more of your colleagues with a comment that asks for clarification, provides support for, or contributes additional information.
Post a Discussion entry on 3 different days of the week. See the Discussion Rubrics for more information.
Learning Resources
Required Readings
- Gray, J. R, & Grove, S. K. (2021). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.
- Chapter 3, “Introduction to Quantitative Research” (pp. 46–74)
- Chapter 10, “Quantitative Methodology: Noninterventional Designs and Methods” (pp. 234–260)
- Chapter 11, “Quantitative Methodology: Interventional Designs and Methods” (pp. 261–313)
- Chapter 15, “Sampling” (pp. 410–449)
- Latour, C., O’Byrne, L., McCarthy, M., Chacko, R., Russell, E., and Price, R.K. (2020). Improving mental health in US: Veterans using mHealth tools: A pilot studyLinks to an external site.. Health Informatics Journal, 26(4), 3201–3214. http://doi.org/10.1177/1460458220954613
- Zaccari, B., Callahan, M.L., Storzback, D., & McFarlane, N. (2020). Yoga for veterans with PTSD: Cognitive functioning, mental health, and salivary controlLinks to an external site.. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(8), 913–917. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0000909
- Document: Journal Club Template for Quantitative Research (Word document)Download Journal Club Template for Quantitative Research (Word document)
Writing Resources
Scholarly writing is a critical component of nursing academics. Walden University provides resources to support scholarly writing such as the CON Writing Template, Grammarly, access to the Walden Writing Center editing services, and many other tools for success.
Access these supportive resources for successful writing in the Writing Resources link found in the Start Here module.
Required Media
- Walden University, LLC. (2015). Quantitative research designsLinks to an external site. [Video]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 27 minutes.
- Walden University, LLC. (2021). Research methodsLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
Optional Resources
- Fitzpatrick, J. J. (Ed.). (2017). Encyclopedia of nursing research (4th ed.). Springer.
