I need an explanation for this Social Science question to help me study.

THERE ARE 2 SEPERATE DISCUSSION RESPONSES!

Discussion 1: Sampling Structures

Respond by Day 5 to a colleague’s post by suggesting an alternative sampling structure for their research question as well as an alternate way of selecting the sample. Please use the Learning Resources to support your answer.

Colleague: Jennifer

Using your research problem and the refined question you developed in Week 4, develop two sampling structures: probability and nonprobability.

Explain who would be included in each sample and how each sample would be selected.

Be specific about the sampling structures you chose, evaluating both strengths and limitations of each.

In week 4 my proposal was focused on medication assisted treatment for people who are addicted to opioids and whether or not the treatment was effective.

Sampling structure for probability

In probability sampling, random selection is used. In probability sampling, the researcher can ensure that the sample is as close to the population as possible. (Yegedis, Weinbach & Myers, p. 211-212).

I would use the simple random sampling technique. In the simple random sampling technique a randomly selected predetermined number of cases from the sampling frame or population. An example would be that if I were to select a 25% sample of 100 people I would include 100 people and place their names on a piece of paper. I would then randomly select 25 pieces of paper to get the sample. The type of subjects that I would choose is a group of 100 people who are receiving mediation assisted treatment for opioid addictions. I would also include a group of clients who are not receiving this type of substance abuse intervention. A strength of this would be that this would be a true non bias random sample. Another strength is that this sample can be compute generated using specific software. A possible limitation is that there may be difficulty in obtaining information in regards to finding the study sample due to HIPAA and confidentially laws.

Sampling structures for nonprobability

In nonprobability sampling, random selection is not used. In this sample, it is not possible to calculate the likelihood that a given specific person or element would be selected. (Yegedis, Weinbach & Myers, p. 215). An example of nonprobability sampling is convenience sampling. Nonprobability sampling involves an unscientific approach to sampling. Cases are selected for primarily because they can be readily accessible to the researcher. Strengths on this sample is that convenience sampling may produce an acceptable level of representativeness. A limitation is that this is the method that is least likely to do so. In social work this type f research is limited. (Yegedis, Weinbach & Myers, p. 216).

References:

Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson

Discussion 2: Generalizing Study Results

Respond by Day 7 to a colleague’s post by suggesting two alternative ways that the study results could be generalizable. Please use the Learning Resources to support your answer.

Colleague: Anthony

Post your explanation of who the sample is. Also explain steps researchers took to ensure generalizability. Be sure to discuss how the study results could possibly be generalizable. Please use the resources to support your answer.

Who is the sample?

In the reading of Social Work Research: Program Evaluation, the sample was taken from the San Francisco Bay Area. This was a sample of the state-wide program CalWORKS which was implemented by California after the federal passing of TANF and AFDC programs. These programs allowed states to deliver the resources provided by TANF and AFDC programs in a manner that is needed in their state.

Steps taken to ensure generalizability.

The first step that was taken to ensure generalizability was to evaluate the performance of the program in a large metropolitan area instead of sampling from all of the state. The sampling from the San Francisco area allowed the researcher to generalize the results to show how the program would affect others in metropolitan areas of California. One area of improvement on this study would be to take from another section of California such as the northern portion or a more rural sector of the population. This would reduce the affects of income level, access, and provide a better result for the state as a whole.

Resources

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014).Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

• Social Work Research: Program Evaluation

Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.