Discussion—Random Selection
I need a response to this discussion and a question.
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In a random sampling, the population sample is drawn completely by chance without any discernable pattern or order (Argosy, 2014). In order to randomly select files, the researchers could number all of the files and then use a random number generator to select which files would be used (Argosy, 2014). It is also possible that the researchers could place all the files in a pile and just grab files for use without doing so in a pattern or for any other distinct reason. It is best to use a random number generator however as it ensures there were no underlying or unintentional pattern to gathering the files (Argosy, 2014).
The probability that the next file picked would be:
A) Mental Health – 0.5 or 50%
Take the total number of mental health files currently pulled and divide it by the total number of files pulled: 25/50 = 0.5 or 50%
B) Learning/School or Relationship issues – 0.4 or 40%
Take the total number of learning/school files currently pulled and divide it by the total number of files pulled: 15/50 = 0.3 or 30%. Next, take the total number of relationship files pulled and divide it by the total number of files pulled: 5/50 = 0.1 or 10%. Next, add the probability of the learning/school files and the relationship files: 0.3+0.1 = 0.4 or 40%
C) Any Category Except Other – 0.9 or 90%
This can be done 2 different ways. The first way, since we already have the probability of all the other categories is to simply add them: 0.5+0.3+0.1 = 0.9 or 90%. The second way would be to determine the probability of the other category 5/50 = 0.1 or 10%, and then subtracting the 0.1 or 10% from the whole: 1-0.1 = .9 or 100%-10% = 90%.
If convenience sampling was used instead of random sampling, our probabilities and results would be different. Random sampling gives a more complete representation of the population whereas convenience sampling can only achieve a gross estimate as the sample is taken from the populace the researcher has the easiest access to rather than the whole populace (Argosy, 2014).
References
Argosy, (2014). Methods of sampling: Probability and non-probability. Module 2. Retrieved
from myeclassonline.com
