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Based on the case context, explain how this researcher's study design demonstrates both of the primary defining characteristics of survey research. Why does the methodology favor the sampling choice made by the researcher?
Case context: A research psychologist wants to study developmental changes in adolescent screen time and mood. To do this, the researcher obtains a list of all high school students in a large school district and randomly selects 800 students to participate. The selected students are asked to complete an online questionnaire where they report their daily screen hours, their feelings of stress, and their typical social behaviors.
Question: Based on the case context, explain how this researcher's study design demonstrates both of the primary defining characteristics of survey research. Why does the methodology favor the sampling choice made by the researcher?
Sample answer: The study demonstrates the first characteristic, self-report measures, because the adolescents directly report on their own daily screen hours, feelings of stress, and behaviors using an online questionnaire. The study demonstrates the second characteristic, rigorous sampling, because the researcher randomly selects 800 students from a list of the entire district's high school population. The methodology favors this large random sample because it provides the most accurate estimates of the population's actual characteristics.
Key points:
- The study uses an online questionnaire for participants to report their screen hours, stress, and behaviors, demonstrating self-report.
- The study randomly selects 800 students from a comprehensive district list, demonstrating rigorous sampling.
- Large random samples are favored in survey research because they provide accurate estimates of population characteristics.
Rubric: The response must identify how both characteristics are met in the case. For self-report, it must connect the online questionnaire asking for screen hours, stress, and behaviors. For sampling, it must connect the selection of 800 random students from the district list. Finally, it must explain that the preference for this sampling choice is to acquire accurate estimates of the population characteristics.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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