Bshs 435 - Sampling and Data Collection in Research Paper

Vicky Shears

Sampling and Data Collection in Research Paper

BSHS/435

Dr. Pasqualetti

January 18, 2016

Sampling and Data Collection in Research Paper

        Research is crucial to improving the success of delivering human services and further educating human service working professionals. Research gives the human service professionals the tools to understand and apply what has been taught to assist better clients in accomplishing their goals.  There are several ways to conduct research within human services. This paper will discuss sampling and data collection, and how they relate to the human service field.

Sampling

 Sampling is an example of conducting research within the human services field. Sampling is usually composed of one or two elements, which are gathered from the population. This can be done from gathering information from a certain population and depending on the research.  The process of obtaining a preferred sample is first to identify the population of such research.

Probability sampling is used to achieve all elements that have an opportunity to be including in the sample.  This form of sampling is usually random for example; pulling names out of a hat is random or drawing straws.  A form of probability sampling would be conducting research on quality of service an organization provides.  Upon deciding on the organization, you are doing the research and obtaining a list of clients, then randomly choose clients to conduct research on. Last, conduct research on the quality of service they received from the organization.

Another form of sampling is nonprobability sampling.  Nonprobability sampling is when the researcher is unable to identify the population elements that can include the sampling (Monette el al., 2011). There are several other forms or methods of non-probability as well.  An example, would be conducting research about veterans who suffer from PTSD, and they want answers. Trying to conduct research on all veterans may be very time-consuming and impossible, so focusing on individuals would be ideal. Research could be done on individuals veterans who suffer from PTSD because personal trauma rather than from deployments.  

Data Collection

 There several methods on how you can gather data for particular research. Each method is different and will have a different result depending on what is being researched having different levels of measurements. By using nominal measures, data can be perceived into an exclusive, exhaustive, or mutual group. Data such as provided is usually representing variables such as; race, religion, gender and political affiliations.  Using a number system is always good to use when categorizing data. There are various techniques to measuring particular data.  Choosing measurement devices to be used in interpreting the data and considering its hypothetical foundations, validity and reliability are worth considering.