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Groups for comparison Based on your research problem, what are the groups that you

are comparing? If you think in experimental terms, what is the


control group? What is the experimental group?
Population under study Provide an exact definition of the population that you are
studying. The population definition should provide clearly the
boundaries of who does not and who does not qualify as a
member of the population. Ensure that the population under
study as defined would include the groups that you are
comparing.
Population size How big is the population? Is it manageable for a practical
study? If you do not yet have information on the size of the
population, how would you get the said information? If there is
no exact information, how would you establish an estimate that
is reliable?
Sampling frame Where would you get the sampling frame? How consistent is
your sampling frame with your definition of the population
under study? How would you get a copy of your sampling
frame? What are the steps that you need to take to get a copy of
the sampling frame?
Sampling method Is it possible to get a random sample for your study? If you can
get a random sample, what random sampling method would
you use? How would you ensure proper representation of your
control and experimental groups? How would your definition of
your influential variables affect your sampling?

If it is not possible to get random samples because of lack of a


sampling frame, how would you select your sample? Remember
that lack of random sampling could seriously weaken your
study if you are aiming for inference, not just description.
Sample size How big is your sample? What is your basis for determining the
sample size? How would you ensure that your comparative
groups are each of sufficient sample size?
Reaching your sample How would you get in touch with your sampled respondents?
What are the possible impediments to CONTACTING the
respondents? After contact, what are the possible impediments
to CONVINCING the respondents to participate in your
study? What steps would you take to minimize the effect of
these impediments?
Unit non-response How would you deal with unit non-response? What are the
possible causes of unit non-response? How would you minimize
unit non-response?

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