Sampling Design

A sample is a subset or sample from a largerpopulationthat draws conclusions based on measurementsof a portion of the population.(Zikmund, Babin, Carr, & Griffin, 2013). The attempt to collect data from an entire population is not only a daunting task but also extremely unrealistic based cost, time, manpower, etc.  With this in mind, researchers use this method to select a group representative of the targeted population.  This information is then studied and applied as statistical data of the given population.(Zikmund & Babin, Exploring Marketing Research, 2007).  One example of this would be the typical automated system that suggest you were selected to participate in a survey of your experience during the current call.  This information was collected from a random group of people that all utilize this particular product or service.

The purpose of sampling is to estimate an unknown characteristic of apopulation(Zikmund, Babin, Carr, & Griffin, 2013).A complete group of an identified population that share commonalities in the form of shopping location/stores, educational development, parents, etc.  This samples can be collected in units or group elements that is part of a selected sample.  The simplest and most common samplings are found in what is probable and what is non-probable. Probability sampling offers the selected group equal chances.  Whereas, non-probability sampling the selected participants are picked at random. Sampling design will be discussed in this paper for the proposed research. 

Research Objectives

Targeted objectives include the enhancement of customer satisfaction. To observe and interpret students views during the application and registration processes.

Sample Design

The proposed research study being conducted looks at students as a customer base and what challenges they may face in their dealings with personnel.  Houston Community College is the second-largest community college in the country. More than 1.5 million people have taken HCC classes since the college's inception in 1971, and more than 70,000 students enroll each semester.  This known data is representative of the massive population for the college. A student is a population, but a student attending a community college is more specific. Although the more specific identifying information, narrows the chosen data required.  It is often not enough to survey the population for research purposes.

The per semester student population is a perfect example at meets the requirements needed to sample the population.  Many grade level students participate in the dual credit, which allows students to gain college hours while still attending high school.  Other entry points for students included, but not limited to returning students, transferring students, and international students.  As with any other industry, competition motivates change the willingness to review, update, and even change current processes and practices.

Snowball sampling procedure is known as the initial respondents selectedby probability methods and additionalrespondents to obtain information provided by theinitial respondents(Zikmund, Babin, Carr, & Griffin, 2013).Often convenient sampling and snowball sampling are used in combination. 

Types of biases

Although sampling design is the preferred method, in some of these cases, it is beneficial consider convenient sampling.  

Convenient sampling is exactly as it sound.  Fining respondents that favor the researcher with positive responses.  These questionnaires can contain dialect that leaves the responded confused and intimidated; more likely to shy away from asking questions. Likeminded people that share similar views is surveyed as snowball sampling.

Steps to minimize biases

Students will be asked to participate in the study for extra credit for just taking the tame to complete the documentation.  Instructions and questions obtained within the survey will be identified clearly.To encourage complete honesty, students will never be asked to share any additional information.  Four different age groups and population will be asked to participate.  There personal data will never be collected and shared with anyone outside the designated team. 

Conclusion

The job of a research is to decide what will serve well as the most appropriate sample design for specific projects.  With more than 70,000 students each semester, the sampling possibilities are endless.The sampling outline is consistent of people who are affected by the staff treatment of students.  The size in the sampling process is determined and created from the sampling frame. Precautions that are appropriate for the level confidentiality expected

References

Zikmund, W. G., & Babin, B. J. (2007). Exploring Marketing Research (9 ed.). Mason (OH): Thompson South-Western Cengage Learning.

Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (2013). Business Research Methods (9 ed.). Mason (OH): South-Western Cengage Learning.

Required:

Write a two-page paper describing a basic experimental design for the proposal. Design a basic experiment to assess a cause and effect relationship based on your research question. Include thefollowing information:

1. Research the objective.

2. Explain if the design is a true experiment or a quasi-experiment. Justify your selection.

3. Develop a hypothesis based on your research question.

4. Evaluate your hypothesis according to the characteristics provided in the lecture. Be specific.

5. Describe the independent variables, blocking variables, dependent variables, and extraneous variables.

6. Explain how you plan to deal with issues related to internal and external validity. Be specific.

7. Conclusion: Highlight the major points discussed in the previous sections. Be sure to relate the information backto the purpose and relevance of the research.

You must use correct APA formatting when writing your paper. All references used, including the textbook, must be cited.