Sampling

Sampling and population are two important and often confused subjects in research. They can be defined as;

Population: Theoretically specified group of studied elements or the large group results are generalized to

Sample: Study participants, usually a smaller group or a subset of the population

Sampling: process of selective study participants

Looking at a studies design helps to determine internal validity and causality in regards to the results of the study. It explains simply what you did to whom. The design of the study looks at the number of groups and measures, the independent and dependent variables, and whether the sample was randomly assigned.

The researcher can enhance internal validity by having a comparison group and a control group. Furthermore, randomly selecting and assigning participants can increase internal validity and reduce selection bias.

Basic Design

Paradigm's in Research

Research is a pursuit of the truth, attempting to find the best methods to reaching clients. A paradigm is a world view (a view point, the nature of reality). There are three different paradigms for social work research

Positivism: This deals the the concept of there being an objective reality, i.e. there is a truth. This supports the pursuit of scientific inquiry. It focuses on the generalizeability, and objectivity of the research.