Title: Working with Research Participants (The Sampling and Ethics)

Objectives:
At the end of the discussion the students are expected to:

K- Define what are the Sampling and Ethics in Working with Research Participants
S- Identify the types of Sampling Method and the Ethical Consideration in Research
A- Appreciate the importance of Working with Research Participants (The Sampling and Ethics)

Content/Discussion

THE SAMPLING METHODS IN RESEARCH ITS TYPES AND EXAMPLES

What is Sampling?

It is a technique of selecting individual members or a subset of a population to make a statistical

inference from them and estimate characteristics of the whole population.

It is also a time convenient and a cost-effective methods and hands forms the basis of any
research design that the sampling techniques can be used in a research survey software for optimum
derivation.

Types of Sampling: Sampling Methods

1. Probability Sampling

It is a sampling technique where a researcher sets a selection of a few criteria and chooses
members of a population randomly all the members of an equal opportunity to be part of
the sample with this selection parameter.

2. Non- probability Sampling

• In non-probability sampling, the researchers choose members for research at random.

This sampling method is not a fix or pre-defined selection process. This makes it difficult
for all elements of a population to have an equal opportunity to be included in a sample

Types of Probability sampling

There are four types of Probability sampling techniques:

• Simple Random Sampling

• Cluster Sampling
• Systematic Sampling
• Stratified Random Sampling

1. Simple Random Sampling

It is a type of probability sampling in which the researcher randomly selects a subset of

participants from a population each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected data
has been collected from a large of percentage as possible of these random subsets
EXAMPLE:

In an organization of 500 employees, if the HR team decides on conducting team building

activities, it is highly likely that they would prefer picking chits out of a ball. In this case each of the 500
employees has an equal opportunity of being selected.

2. Cluster Sampling

It is a method where the researchers divide the empire population and two sections or clusters that
represent population clusters are identified and included in a sample based on demographic parameters
like age sex location, etc.

EXAMPLE:

If the United States government wishes to evaluate the number of immigrants living in the
mainland US, they can divide it into clusters based on states such as California, Texas, Florida,
Massachusetts, Colorado, Hawaii, etc. This way of conducting a survey will be more effective as the
result of the organized into states and provide insightful immigration data.

3. Systematic Sampling

It is similar to simple random sampling but it is usually is slightly easier to conduct every
member of the population is listed with a number but instead of randomly generating numbers individuals
are chosen at regular intervals.

EXAMPLE:

A researcher intense to collect a systematic sample of 500 people in a population of 5000. He/she
numbers each element of the population from 1-5000 and will choose every 10th individual to be part of
the sample (Total population/Sample Size = 5000/500 = 10)

4. Stratified Random Sampling

It is a method in which the researcher divides the population into smaller groups that don't
overlap but represent the entire population. While sampling, this groups can be organized and then draw a
sample from each group separately. To use the sampling method, you divide the population into
subgroups called (strata) based on the relevant characteristics (example gender, age range, etc.)

EXAMPLE:

The company has 800 female employees and 200 male employees. You want to ensure that the sample
reflects the gender balance of the company so you search the population into to strata based on gender.
Then you use random sampling in each group selecting a 80 women and 20 men which gives you are
representative sample of 100 people.
 Uses of Probability Sampling

• Reduce Sample Bias

• Diverse Population
• Create an accurate Sample

There are also four types of Non-Probability sampling techniques:

• Convenience Sampling
• Judgmental/Purposive Sampling
• Snowball Sampling
• Quota Sampling

1. CONVENIENCE SAMPLING

This method is dependent on the ease of access to subjects such as serving customers at a mall or
passersby on a busy street it is usually termed as a convenience sampling because of the researchers is of
carrying it out and getting in touch with a subject.

2. PURPOSIVE SAMPLING

Are formed by the discretion of the researcher. Researchers consider the purpose of the study
along with understanding of the target audience.

3. SNOWBALL SAMPLING

Is a sampling method that researchers apply when the subjects are difficult to trace.

4. QUOTA SAMPLING

In quota sampling, the selection of members in this sampling technique happens based on a pre-
set standard. In this case as a sample is formed based on a specific attribute the created sample will have
the same qualities found in the total population it is a rapid method of collecting samples.

Uses of Non- Probability Sampling

• Create a hypothesis
• Exploratory research
• Budget and time constraints

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN RESEARCH /TYPES AND EXAMPLE

Ethical Considerations

Are a set of principles that guide your research designs and practices. Researchers must always
adhere to a certain code of conduct when collecting data from people.
 Why do research ethics matter?

Research ethics matters for scientific integrity, human rights and dignity and collaboration
between the science and the society. These principles make sure that the participation in studies is
voluntary, informed, and safe for research subjects.

Types of Ethical Issues

1. Voluntary participation
2. Informed Consent
3. Anonymity
4. Confidentiality
5. Potential for harm
6. Results Communication

1. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

Means that all research subjects are free to choose to participate without any pressure or coercion.

Example of Voluntary Participation

When recruiting participants for an experiment you inform all potential participants that they are
free to choose whether they want to participate and they can withdraw from the study any time without
any negative repercussions.

2. INFORMED CONSENT

Refers to a situation in which all potential participants received and understand all the
information they need to decide whether they want to participant this includes information about the
studies benefits, risk, funding and institutional approval.

Example of INFORMED CONSENT

• You recruit participants outside a train station for a quick survey.

• You make sure to provide all potential participants with all relevant information about:
• what the study all about
• the risks and benefits of taking part
• how long the study will take

3. ANONYMITY

Means that you don't know who the participants are and you can't link any individual participant to their
data.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY

Means that you know who the participants are but you remove all identify information from your report

Example of Confidentiality
To keep your data confidential, you take steps to safeguard it and prevent any threats or data privacy.

5. POTENTIAL FOR HARM

As a researcher you have to consider all. Harm can come in many different forms:

• Psychological Harm
• Social Harm
• Physical Harm
• Legal Harm

6. RESULTS COMMUNICATION

The way you communicate your research results can sometime involve ethical issues. Good
communication is honest, reliable and credible. Its’s best to make yourself as transparent as possible.

Take steps to actively avoid plagiarism and research misconduct wherever possible.

Plagiarism

Means submitting others works as your own although it can be an intentional copying someone else work
without proper credit amounts to stealing.

Research Misconduct

Means making up or falsifying data manipulating data analysis or missed representing results in research
report. It is a form of academic fraud.

ASSESSMENT

Multiple Choice

Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. The researchers choose members for research at random. This sampling method is not a fix or
pre-defined selection process. This makes it difficult for all elements of a population to have an
equal opportunity to be included in a sample

A. Probability Sampling
B. Non-Probability Sampling
C. Simple Random Sampling
D. Non-Simple Random Sampling

2. It is a sampling technique where a researcher sets a selection of a few criteria and chooses
members of a population randomly all the members of an equal opportunity to be part of the
sample with this selection parameter.

A. Probability Sampling
 B. Non-Probability Sampling
C. Simple Random Sampling
D. Non-Simple Random Sampling

3. It is a type of probability sampling in which the researcher randomly selects a subset of

participants from a population each member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected data has been collected from a large of percentage as possible of these random subsets

A. Stratified Random Sampling

B. Simple Random Sampling
C. Systematic Sampling
D. Cluster Sampling

4. It is a method in which the researcher divides the population into smaller groups that don't
overlap but represent the entire population. While sampling, this groups can be organized and
then draw a sample from each group separately. To use the sampling method, you divide the
population into subgroups called (strata) based on the relevant characteristics (example gender,
age range, etc.)

A. Stratified Random Sampling

B. Simple Random Sampling
C. Systematic Sampling
D. Cluster Sampling

5. It is similar to simple random sampling but it is usually is slightly easier to conduct every
member of the population is listed with a number but instead of randomly generating numbers
individuals are chosen at regular intervals.

A. Stratified Random Sampling

B. Simple Random Sampling
C. Systematic Sampling
D. Cluster Sampling

Identification
Direction: Identify the correct answer in each sentence. Write you answers before the number.

_____1. This method is dependent on the ease of access to subjects such as serving customers at a mall or
passersby on a busy street it is usually termed as a convenience sampling because of the researchers is of
carrying it out and getting in touch with a subject.

_____2. The selection of members in this sampling technique happens based on a pre-set standard. In this
case as a sample is formed based on a specific attribute the created sample will have the same qualities
found in the total population it is a rapid method of collecting samples.

_____3. Are formed by the discretion of the researcher. Researchers consider the purpose of the study
along with understanding of the target audience.

_____4. Is a sampling method that researchers apply when the subjects are difficult to trace.

_____5. It is a technique of selecting individual members or a subset of a population to make a statistical

inference from them and estimate characteristics of the whole population.
_____6. Means that all research subjects are free to choose to participate without any pressure or
coercion.

_____7. Refers to a situation in which all potential participants received and understand all the
information they need to decide whether they want to participant this includes information about the
studies benefits, risk, funding and institutional approval.

_____8. Means that you don't know who the participants are and you can't link any individual participant
to their data.

_____9. Means that you know who the participants are but you remove all identify information from your
report

_____10. The way you communicate your research results can sometime involve ethical issues. Good
communication is honest, reliable and credible. Its’s best to make yourself as transparent as possible.

Direction: Explain the following questions. (2 points each question).

1. Define sampling and ethics in your own words.

2. Why can’t we copy others work in conducting research?
3. Why do we need to be mindful of any possible harm in conducting research?
4. In your own words, why is confidentiality important in research?
5. How can we avoid Research Misconduct?

ANSWER KEY:

Multiple Choice

1. B
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. C

Identification

1. Convenience Sampling
2. Quota Sampling
3. Purposive Sampling
4. Snowball Sampling
5. Sampling
6. Voluntary Participation
7. Informed Consent
8. Anonymity
9. Confidentiality
10. Results Communication

Explanation

1-5. Varied Answers

References:

McCombes, S. (2019). Sampling Methods | Types and Techniques Explained. Scribbr.

https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/sampling-methods/

Academy, E. (2019, March 21). The Importance of Sampling Methods in Research Design. Enago
Academy. https://www.enago.com/academy/the-importance-of-sampling-methods-in-research-design/

questionpro. (2018, November 13). Types of Sampling: Sampling Methods with Examples | QuestionPro.
QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/types-of-sampling-for-social-research/

Bhandari, P. (2021, October 18). A Guide to Ethical Considerations in Research. Scribbr.

https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/research-ethics/

City University of Hong Kong. (2015). Research Guides: Research Methods: Ethics in Research.
Cityu.edu.hk. https://libguides.library.cityu.edu.hk/researchmethods/ethics

Members:
Jonnel S. Gadingan
Dhazel Joy Janito