Practical exercises
1
You have been asked to investigate the views of nurses working in ten large
hospitals to establish their opinions on whether health workers, and medical
doctors in particular, should be allowed to strike.
a What is the most appropriate sampling
procedure for this project and why?
b How would you choose the respondents if the
chosen procedure was quota sampling?
2
In the above example, the research committee is interested in the views of
nurses on 'striking doctors'. Explain how the nurses will be chosen if
theoretical sampling is employed.
3
You have been appointed the chief researcher of a country town. Your task is to
ascertain the attitudes of unmarried mothers to state policies relating to
family allowances.
a Explain how you will choose the sample of
mothers to address the research question, using a quantitative study.
b Explain how you will choose the sample of
mothers to address the research question, using a qualitative study.
4
As the research adviser of the educational division of the university you have
been asked to investigate the views of students to the proposed increase in
fees, which resulted from relevant government cuts. The sampling method you have
been urged to use by the manager of the division is multi-stage sampling.
a Describe the steps you will employ to select
your respondents by using this method.
b Discuss critically the suitability of such a
sampling method in the context of the proposed study. Is this the sampling
method you would have chosen if you had been free to decide on the matter?