Large sample sizes are desirable in which types of research? (Select all that apply.)
a. Correlational, using an existent database
b. Grounded theory
c. Phenomenology
d. Pilot interventional research
e. Multisite randomized clinical trials
f. Survey research
g. Model testing
h. Case study research
ANS: A, E, F, G
Descriptive case studies tend to use small samples. Groups are not compared, and problems related to sampling error and generalization have little relevance for such studies. A small sample size may better serve the researcher who is interested in examining a situation in depth from various perspectives. Other descriptive studies, particularly those using survey questionnaires, and correlational studies often require large samples. In the past, quasi-experimental and experimental studies often used smaller samples than descriptive and correlational studies. The sample size increases in proportion to the number of variables included in data analysis. In quantitative research, the sample size must be large enough to identify relationships among variables or to determine differences between groups. However, in qualitative research, the focus is on the quality of information obtained from the person, situation, or event sampled versus the size of the sample. The intent is an in-depth understanding of a purposefully selected sample and not the generalization of the findings from a randomly selected sample to a target population, as in quantitative research. The number of participants in a qualitative study is adequate when saturation of information is achieved in the study area. Grounded theory and phenomenology are types of qualitative research. A pilot study is a smaller version of a proposed study conducted to develop and refine the methodology or intervention hence it uses a smaller sample size.
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