Assignment #2 - Group Research Design, Sampling, Survey Design_Mercer
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Dec 6, 2023
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Assignment #2: Group Research Design, Sampling, and Survey Design (20 points)
Instructions
: Answer each of question in this word document and submit this in Canvas. Be sure to
explain/justify your answers. Cite the Krysik (2018) text as well as the Marsiglia et al. (2018) article and
paraphrase as much as possible.
1) What is the rationale for using random assignment in experimental group research design? How is random
assignment different from random sampling?
The rationale for using random assignment in experimental group research design is that it ensures any
differences between the groups can be attributed to the independent variable (Krysik, 2018). This is done by
chance to ensure that the groups are equivalent. For example drawing a name out of a hat or flipping a coin are
both examples of random assignment (Krysik, 2018). Random assignment is different from random sampling
because it is not concerned with the groups similarity to the population that is chosen from. Random sampling
focuses on choosing groups that represent the population in which is being studied (Krysik, 2018). Random
assignment focuses on randomly selecting groups that are not already sorted into pre-existing groups.
2) Describe the differences between probability sampling and non-probability sampling; discuss the strengths
and limitations of each method. Then, briefly describe simple random sampling (a probability sampling method)
and snowball sampling (a non-probability sampling method)
Probability sampling emphasizes the use of random selection allowing each sample a known probability of
being chosen (Krysik, 2018). Similar to random assignment, samples are chosen through flipping a coin or
drawing names out of a hat. It ensures that no samples are excluded which allows the results to be generalized
to the entire population from which the sample was drawn (Krysik, 2018). Non-probability sampling is when all
of the samples of a population have an unknown chance of being selected for the study (Krysik, 2018). Rather
than allowing generalization, this calls for speculation regarding whether the sample is a true representation of
the population. A strength of using non-probability sampling is that it is less expensive and requires less time to
complete.
Simple random sampling takes a small sample from the population at random to ensure equal chance of being
selected (Krysik, 2018). The method for conducting this depends on the sample size and can be done using any
random method. Snowball sampling is a method used to gain access to information when it may be limited. This
is through the use of having the initial participants continue selecting other participants that obtain information
needed for the study (Krysik, 2018). This method assumes that individuals in certain situations will know other
individuals in similar situations (Krysik, 2018).
3) Using the
Marsiglia et al. (2018) article
, briefly
a)
Is this study an experimental, quasi experimental, or pre-experimental design? Why? Is this study
quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods? Why?
a.
This study is an experimental design because it has both a control group and a treatment
group. It is a quantitative method because it uses data that can be measured.
b)
Briefly describe the three conditions/groups in the study.
a.
The three groups in the study include the control group, the treatment group, and the
comparison group. The control group included the parent intervention combined with a youth
intervention and the treatment group consisted of the parent intervention without the youth
and the comparison group was treatment as usual (Marsiglia et al., 2019).
c)
Specify the group research design with notation (i.e. O
1
, X, O
2
, etc.) for each of the three conditions.
a.
The group research design includes the treatment group (O1), the control group (X) and the
comparison group (O2).
d)
Describe the sampling procedure that the researchers used. Is this considered random assignment or
random selection? Why?
a.
Random assignment was utilized for this study as the control group, treatment group and
comparison group were all given an opportunity to be in each group through a random
selection process (Marsiglia et al., 2019).
e)
How many middle schools participated in this study?
a.
The experiment included 19 middle schools (Marsiglia et al., 2019).
f)
What was the final sample size for participant dyads?
a.
The final sample size for participant dyads was 532 dyads (Marsiglia et al., 2019).
4)
Briefly define what survey research is and detail some of the limitations of survey research.
a.
Survey research is a common method utilizing questioning to gain information (Krysik, 2018). This
method utilizes surveys which collect information such as how participants feel, know, believe or
how they behave (Krysik, 2018). A limitation of survey research is that it relies on information
provided by the participants and participants are not always honest when answering questions.
Another limitation of survey research is that participants may not remember events or feelings
accurately therefore making the information unreliable or inaccurate (Krysik, 2018).
5)
Briefly define measurement validity and reliability (internal consistency).
a.
Measurement validity is how accurately the method represents the intended variable and how to
measure this (Krysik, 2018). There are four methods used to measure validity which are face,
content, construct, and criterion-related validity. Face and content validity utilize the researcher to
make judgments regarding the validity (Krysik, 2018). Construct and criterion-related validity are
used to make comparisons in relation to other variables (Krysik, 2018). Measurement reliability is
concerned with consistency of the results when the variable is present (Krysik, 2018). Reliable
measurement devices are considered good when they deliver the same results consistently.
6)
In thinking about the quality of measures, why is it important to use valid and reliable measures in social
work research? Please justify your answer using the Krysik (2018) text.
a.
It is important to use valid and reliable measures in social work research because research is only
usable if the measures conducting it are reliable and accurate (Krysik, 2018). Without valid and
reliable measures, the information obtained may not have the meaning researchers interpret it as. In
order to create effective programs, the research must be valid and reliable to ensure the programs
will be effective for the target population.
References:
Krysik, J. L. (2018).Research for Effective Social Work Practice (4th Ed.). New York: Routledge.
Marsiglia et al. (2019). Randomized Effectiveness Trial of a Parent and Youth Combined Intervention on the
Substance Use Norms of Latino Middle School Parents.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.
97, 75-
83. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9343055/
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