A sociologist while carrying out any research can not survey everyone in a group or population for what they are searching for. To solve this issue, a small part of the population can be taken for study, called a sample. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
The practice of taking out these elements from the larger group is known as sampling. The process of sampling provides a clear idea about how one should select a sample from the parent population that may help in reaching an appropriate conclusion for a study. Based on different requirements, a researcher may use different types of samples.
Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity.
Sampling Techniques.
Two different techniques can be used for the sampling process, i.e,
1) Probability sampling.
This sampling technique is used by many sociologists to carry out their empirical investigation. In this sampling process, every unit of the group or population has an equivalent chance of being getting selected as a sample. Probability sampling can further be sub-classified into the following types:
- Simple Random Sample – In this method, every element of the population is arranged in a unique number or pattern. Then, using a table of random numbers, truly random numbers are generated. This process is repeated until the desired number doesn’t get selected.
- Stratified Random Sample – In the Stratified Random Sample process, a group to be investigated is divided into subgroups. These strata signify those features on which the investigator desires to underwrite suitable illustration.
- Cluster Sampling – The cost of both simple and stratified random sampling may be higher than it gets unaffordable many times fr the researcher if his investigation includes a large population. In such cases, cluster sampling can be used where small clusters can be formed to study them further. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
2) Non-probability sampling.
Just opposite to probability sampling, it is impossible to determine a particular element of a population getting selected as the sample. Even if the process is less costly compared to probability sampling, there are several critics associated with this technique of sampling. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
Sample selection.
The size of a sample should be adequate and must be representative of a population. A sample that lacks representativeness is called a biased sample. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
Factors affecting the sample size
The sample is an important part of any survey conducted as a part of empirical investigation. It is something that satisfies the prerequisite of efficacy and reliability. For this reason, the sample should be small in size to prevent any kind of undesirable expenses and should be large to circumvent unbearable sampling error. Other points to be considered are: Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
- The sample should be adequately large if a large number of classes are to be formed so that each class attains the proper size for the accurate statistical application.
- Large size should be avoided if doing an intensive study for a large time than size.
- Homogeneity or heterogeneity should be accordingly managed.
- Practical considerations are important to be followed as per required.
- If the study includes a large size of population, the size of the sample should be smaller to prevent the influence of complexity.
- Smaller samples should be taken if the cases are geographically scattered.
Hypothesis.
It is an uncertain theory made for any particular event or investigation whose validity has got to be tested. As an initial step, a hypothesis can be an imaginary idea that is majorly based on the previously collected information about something.
The hypothesis is usually made so that the correct arrangement of the process can be understood. Once the hypothesis is made, facts and information is observed and gathered. In case, after the verification the hypothesis is found true, a theory is termed ‘acceptable’. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
Significance of hypothesis.
Being one of the most important parts of an investigation, some of the functions of the hypothesis are as follows: Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
- It explains all the facts associated with the investigation adequately.
- Helps us to directly enquire in the right direction.
- Helps in gathering needed information and facts to determine the direction of the investigation.
- Suggests observation and empirical investigation.
- Determines the verification method and process of inquiry to be used during the study.
- Helps us in discovering laws and facts.
- Hypothesis helps us reach the conclusion which is important in the advancement of knowledge.
Since the hypothesis enables us to study only for specific facts instead of a random collection of data, it limits the scope of the investigation to a manageable area. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
Prerequisites for a valid hypothesis.
1) A hypothesis must provide an answer to a question involved in an investigation.
2) It must be experimentally verifiable and should be compared with the evidence of understanding directly or indirectly.
3) False hypothesis should not be considered useless each time as it can help in further investigation. For instance, finding out relations among facts may raise the number of evidence for theories.
4) A hypothesis must b clear, easy, certain, and definite to grasp.
Formulation.
Even if the process for the formulation of a hypothesis is not bound by any set of rules, the previous know; edge about anything helps a lot in this formulation process. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
Verification and proof.
The process of hypothesis verification refers to the testing of the truth or false of the hypothesis in presence of evidence. To verify any hypothesis, there should be an apt contract maintained between the interference and observed evidence.
The greater the agreement, the more applicable would be the hypothesis. But one can not consider mere verification as evidence. A hypothesis should clearly decode the facts, and explain every statement made in regard to the investigation. More specifically, a hypothesis should tend to predict. Variables Sampling Hypothesis Reliability And Validity
Reliability.
It refers to the state where a process of measurement provides consistent scores throughout the investigation making it an unchanged phenomenon over repeated measurements. Under similar conditions and parameters, the results of the investigation should remain unchanged making the experiment or theory reliable. The higher the similarity in results, the more is the reliability of the study.
Validity.
Validity denotes the period of applicability of the study we are taking into account at a particular point in time. Also, it refers to the extent we’re measuring what we want to measure.
