MATH1280_DF_Unit1-1 - Copy (26)
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Hello Jessica and classmates,
Representing an entire population solely through a sample is a common and practical
approach in statistical analysis, as it is often impractical, resource-intensive, and sometimes
impossible to gather data from every individual within a population. This method involves
selecting a subset of individuals that adequately represents the diversity and characteristics
of the larger group. While it may not capture every nuance, a well-designed sample can
offer valuable insights and accurate estimations about the population parameters.
In various fields, including healthcare, social sciences, economics, and more, researchers
encounter challenges in studying entire populations due to constraints such as time, cost,
and logistics. Consider a scenario in medical research aiming to investigate the prevalence
of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) among women worldwide. For example, the average
woman starts menstruating at age 12 (Lacroix et al,. 2023) and reaches menopause around
age 51 (The North American Menopause Society, n.d.). Given that the male-to-female
population ratio is approximately 1:1 (Our World Data, 2022), the target population is
approximately 2.39 million. This spans a vast age range, attempting to survey every woman
for this study becomes impractical and financially burdensome.
To estimate the prevalence of PMS, researchers might opt for a carefully selected sample.
This sample should ideally reflect the diversity within the larger population in terms of age,
geographical location, socio-economic status, and other relevant factors. For instance, by
choosing representative groups across various regions and age brackets researchers can
collect data that, when appropriately analyzed, can provide reliable estimates about the
prevalence of PMS within the female population.
Accurate statistical analysis relies on the principles of randomization, stratification, or other
sampling techniques to minimize bias and ensure that the selected sample mirrors the
characteristics of the larger population as closely as possible. However, researchers must
be cautious about inherent limitations when using samples.
While representing an entire population through a sample is not without its challenges and
limitations, a well-designed and adequately sized sample can provide valuable insights and
reliable statistical estimates. Careful consideration of the sampling methodology and its
alignment with the target population's characteristics is crucial in drawing meaningful and
accurate conclusions from the collected data.
Word count: 354 words
Reference
Lacroix, A. E., Gondal, H., Shumway, K. R., & Michelle , M. D. (2023, March
11).
Physiology, Menarche - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Physiology,
Menarche
.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470216/
Our World in Data. (2022).
Population by age group
. Population by age group,
World.
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/population-by-age-group
The North American Menopause Society. (n.d.).
Menopause 101: A Primer for the
Perimenopausal
. Perimenopause, Early Menopause Symptoms | The North American
Menopause Society, NAMS.
https://www.menopause.org/for-
women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-
primer-for-the-perimenopausal#:~:text=Most%20women%20experience%20menopause
%20between,for%204%20to%208%20years
.
429 words
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