SOC 333 UAGC Wk 4 Research Design Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Discussion

In your initial post, address the following:

• Differentiate between randomized and nonrandomized approaches to sampling populations. Discuss the importance of the role of sampling when conducting research.
  • Snowball sampling is a form of sampling where participants recommend people they know as research participants. Explain one pro and one con to this approach.
  • Discuss the usefulness of pretesting, pilot testing, or field-testing a survey or interview questionnaire.
  • In some large-scale research projects the researcher is not always the one collecting data but is more heavily involved in the analysis and interpretation of the data. Would this create a challenge in a quantitative study where a survey was used for data collection? Would this scenario create a challenge in a qualitative study where a one-to one interview or focus group data collection method was used? Explain why or why not for both scenarios.
  • As you experienced in the Week 3 assignment, qualitative methods research can encompass some interesting forms of research approach to help us understand the human experience in society, such as ethnography. In the resources this week we asked you to review three other forms of approach that help us understand in unique ways: visual, documentary, and oral history.
  • After reviewing the resources provided, describe each form of approach. Explain their unique differences and similarities.
  • What is gained by conveying human experience via visual or audio as opposed to a written interpretation?
  • Which form of approach did you find the most compelling in sharing the experience of humans in society? Explain why.
  • Do you think that these forms of visual and audio data evidence could be more powerful for influencing social change and public policy than written or statistical data?