Running head: CRITICAL REVIEW 1

Critical Review:

Statistical Techniques, Sample, and Data Collection

John Peterson
Keiser University
EDR800
Dr. Larry Pace
CRITICAL REVIEW 2

July 18, 2010

Critical Review: Statistical Techniques, Sample, and Data Collection

Statistical Techniques

BusinessDictionary.com (2010) has defined statistical methods as “mathematical

concepts, formulas, models, techniques used in statistical analysis of random data. In

comparison, deterministic methods are used where the data is easily reproducible or where its

behavior is determined entirely by its initial stage and inputs” (BusinessDictionary.com, 2010,

para.1).

However, in order to better comprehend the meaning of this definition we should consult

Gall et al. (1996); these authors explained that when designing a survey researchers create a plan

that involves selecting a sample, collecting data, and analyzing the data.

In order to achieve these tasks researchers apply statistical techniques to check if tests

and other instruments present valid and reliable measures. A research plan is a detailed

description of procedures a researcher uses to investigate a problem or a topic (Gay, 2003).

Sample

According to Gay (2003) sampling is a process in which a number of individuals are

selected for a study in such a way that the larger group from which these individuals were

selected are represented by them.

The intent of sampling is to obtain information about a larger population (Gay, 2003). A

population which the researcher aims to investigate and generate results from the study is

referred as a target population, although the population that is selected by the researcher from a

more realistic perspective is known as the accessible population (Gay, 2003).

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Gay (2003) explained that the steps to be taken on sampling are: (a) to identify the

population; (b) to determine the required sample size and (c) to select the sample.

Samples can be selected on a way that all individuals in the defined population have the

same chance of being selected for the sampling (Gay, 2003). Gay (2003) stated that random

sampling “involves defining the population, identifying each member of the population and

selecting individuals for the sample on a complete chance basis” (p. 117).

Gay (2003) divided sampling in four types:

 Simple random sampling.

 Stratified sampling.

 Cluster sampling.

 Systematic sampling.

According to Gay (2003), samples should as large as possible. Gay (2003) advised that

the larger the sampling most likely it will be more representative of the population, and it will

better generalize the results of the study. Minimum acceptable sampling sizes will depend on the

type of research; there are no defined minimum acceptable sampling sizes (Gay, 2003).

Data Collection

A survey study begins with the purpose of the survey, and then the identification of the

population and of the sampling is discussed. However, the survey instruments to be used, the

relationship between the variables, and the research question are also very important components

of the survey study (Creswell, 2003).

Gall et al. (1996) described the use of questionnaires and interviews as data-collection

instruments. Gall et al. (1996) explained that questionnaires have “two advantages over

interviews for collecting research data” (p. 289): one is cost, and the other is the other is time.
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Although interviews have the major advantage of being adaptable, when, according to Gall et al.

(1996), interviewers “can follow up a respondent’s answer to obtain more information and

clarify vague statements” (p. 289).

Gall et al. (1996) suggested the following steps in constructing and administering a

research questionnaire:

1. Define the research objectives.

2. Select a sample.

3. Design the questionnaire format.

4. Pre-test the questionnaire.

5. Pre-contact the sample.

6. Write a cover letter and distribute the questionnaire.

7. Follow up with non-respondents.

8. Analyze the questionnaire data.

Gall et al. (1996) suggested the following steps in preparing and conducting research

interviews:

1. Define the purpose of the interview.

2. Select a sample.

3. Design the interview format.

4. Develop questions.

5. Select and train interviewers.

6. Pre-test the interview.

7. Conduct the interviews.

8. Analyze the interview data.

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Gall et al. (1996) explained that many researchers rather do their own observations

instead of relying “on people’s self-reports of events” (p. 327).

The following are procedures for observation in quantitative research, as indicated by

Gall et al. (1996):

1. Define observational variables.

2. Record the observations.

3. Select an observation recording procedure.

4. Select and train observers.

5. Reduce observer effects.

Conclusion

As briefly demonstrated on this paper, there is a relationship between statistical

techniques, sampling, and data collection. This relationship is based on the concept of research,

as explained by Kumar (2005), “research is a process for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting

information to answer questions” (Kumar, 2005, p. 7).

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References

BusinessDictionary.com (2010). Statistical methods. Retrieved from

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/statistical-methods.html

Creswell, J. (2003). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches

(2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Gay, L. R. (2003). Educational research: Competencies for analysis and applications (7th ed.).

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Gall, M., Borg, W. & Gall, J. (1996). Educational research: An introduction (6th ed.). Boston,

MA: Pearson

Kumar, R. (2005). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (2nd ed.).

Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.