Sampling

Sampling is the process of selecting individuals or other entities to observe in a study and is one of the most fundamental operations performed in research. The quality of data generated by a study and therefore the quality of information based on the study is, in large part, a function of the quality of the sample.
For this writing assignment, use Sociological Abstracts to locate two articles published in peer-reviewed sociology journals that focus on one of the following four general topics:
Health
Sexuality
Race and/or ethnicity
Social networks
You may select different journals, but both articles should focus on the same general topic. Write a brief (2-3 pages) essay in which you describe the sampling strategy used in each study. Be sure that your summary addresses the following questions/points:
• Describe the sampling strategy.
• Describe the following key parameters of the sample (where appropriate):
o Target population of which the sample is representative.
o Sampling frame(s)
o Response rate?
o Sample size?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the sampling strategies of used in the articles you selected.