Critical Writing on Survey and Sampling - Paper Example

Survey and sampling research are frequently conducted on different platforms since it is practically impossible to collect data in an extensive location without having errors or leaving out data. However, for the process to be efficient, it is important for researchers to have the required information regarding the population that they want to survey for the process to be effective. Poor survey and sampling process may lead to erroneous data collection, which could be inefficient and misleading.

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The difference in cultures may primarily affect research methods and data collection process. This may interfere with the data collected in different locations. According to Babbie, (2014), some respondents may go to the extent of not giving information to researchers due to the culture that their community upholds. In other areas, the respondents may end up interacting quite well with the researchers without minding on their nationality, religion among other factors. Therefore, a preliminary visit should be conducted before undertaking any research processes to be conversant with the lifestyle of their respondents. It would be offensive for a researcher engaging in a research topic that that is a taboo in a particular location. Therefore, it would lead to inadequate data collection process.

As stated in the two readings, it is important that during sampling and survey process, all possibilities are well sorted out, and that information is collected from all areas (Tufeki, 2014). For instance, if one is to gather an opinion poll regarding an upcoming election, the researchers should base their surveys in all parts of the country. If they only concentrate in one location, such as Manhattan or New York City due to the large population, they may end up collecting the wrong data thus misleading the world on their opinion. Therefore, every town in the state should be considered, whereby, only a sample is interviewed to have a better view of the entire state.

While conducting research, observations and responses given by respondents should be thoroughly analyzed to ensure that information provided is accurate and valid. On most occasions, some respondents could be coaxed or influenced to give out information on their own or the researchers' personal benefit. Such incidences mainly occur during political opinion polls, where information from respondents may be used to sway other parties to joining one political side as compared to another one (Babbie, 2014). This would lead to poor results or erroneous information that would as well mislead the public. It would end up depriving the overall goal on research.

Surveys may not only be conducted through observations but also through questionnaires, interviews, focus groups among others. Before undertaking on either of these forms of data collection, one should first consider what the main aim in conducting the process is and if the primary research method would be of benefit (Babbie, 2014). Citing from the study conducted in "Hollaback it is possible to note that, the observation was not a satisfactory method to use in the research. This led to poor data collection, which can supposedly lead to an inadequate response. Also, researchers should have an open mind while conducting research (Tufeki, 2014). It will help them gain a clear insight into the research that they are undertaking.

Through the incorporation of the research hypothesis, researchers should also ensure that they have a theory to support the data they have collected. On some occasions, one can use data gathered from a survey to come up with a different concept of theories, which in the end it could be misleading. For instance, one can support different null and alternate hypothesis from an accurate data collected. However, for the hypothesis to be valid, the theory that accompanies it largely determines it.

The arguments to the two readings complement each other since they all focus on the relevance of data collection while conducting sampling process. Having a biased response mainly interferes with research work. In case one is doing questionnaires, there should be both open ended and closed ended questions. It will give respondents a chance to air out their views without being limited to a particular choice. Therefore, as for the researcher, they will have a better chance to seek the opinions of their respondents efficiently. It is also argued that interacting with respondents may also be efficient unlike engaging in observations. This is because; observation may yield unsatisfactory results due to the difference in location, upbringing, lifestyle, and culture (Tufeki, 2014). Interviews, questionnaires or any other form of data collection techniques should accompany observation as a method of collecting data to make it effective to use. Therefore, it is possible to note that, the research conducted in Hollaback could supposedly be ineffective since the research team focused on observation of respondents. Besides, the high chances are that the researchers mainly based their data and studies only on a few specific streets in New York City but not the entire location. It may have also led to poor data collection.

Conclusion

Research methods help researchers to have a clear insight of an entire population without having to interact with multitudes. Therefore, researchers should not be biased while undertaking the process. Also, having complementary methods helps to ensure the effectiveness of the data collection exercise.

References

Babbie, E. R. (2014). The basics of social research. Wadsworth. Cengage Learning. Chapter 9, Survey Research (pp.259-301)

Tufeki, Z. (2014). That Catcalling Video and Why Research Methods is such an Exciting Topic (Really!) The Message. Medium. Retrieved 1 March 2017, from https://medium.com/message/that-catcalling-video-and-why-research-methods-is-such-an-exciting-topic-really-32223ac9c9e8#.lsr0gm20v