Concluding research on the sample

PSY 223 Milestone Two Worksheet

Review the critical elements that must be addressed in the final project. Use this worksheet to create Milestone Two.

Points to remember:

· A sample is a subset of a population.

· A random sample is a type of sample. Every element of the population has an equal chance of selection into this kind of sample.

· If a researcher takes a random sample from a population, he or she can conclude the sample mirrors the population. He or she can also conclude research on the sample will be the same as what one would find with the population.

· The larger the size of a sample, the more a sample resembles the population.

· Whether a researcher sampled randomly, and the size of the sample, affects results. Random, large samples provide bases for stronger, more reliable conclusions. Convenience (non-random) samples and/or smaller samples provide the bases for weaker and less reliable conclusions.

· No line divides a “small” sample from a “large” sample. As a guiding start, though, a researcher considers fewer than n = 30 to be relatively small.

· If a researcher divides a sample into groups, this division does not change sample size.

· See Chapter 1 of Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life for additional information on sampling.

1. Indicate the sample size (n = ), and describe what consequence this sample size will have on your analyses and on your reporting of results.

2. Choose a statistical procedure and explain how the statistical procedure you choose will help to answer your research question. [For this question, refer to the Choose Your Test document.]