Sampling Methods

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews four separate studies and explores the sampling methods and reasons behind the selection of these methods. The sampling methods of the Gallop organization are used as the model for large scale surveying using small samples. Each of the four studies is unique in their sampling methods, selection of participants and generalization of the results.

Outline:
Abstract
Applications Exercise
Client Treatment Outcomes
An Examination of Racial Profiling in a Large Metropolitan Area
Trafficking of Eastern European Women: An Ethnographic Analysis
Rekindling Police Burnout: Implications for the Motivation and Retention of Personnel

From the Paper:

"The researcher in this study started with the opinion that the well known and accepted benefits of physical fitness will be beneficial to the treatment and subsequent reduction of recidivism of drug offenders in the Orange County, California Drug Court. The researcher chose the samples were from the portion of the available population (availability sampling) that was allowed to participate, as opposed to a random gathering of samples, or any scientific method. From this population of approximately 150, and of those involved in the criminal justice system that the presiding Judges wished to allow the defendants to participate, pared the available population down to a very small number (Thompson, 2006, p.88). Because of ethical and financial concerns, the researcher and the Judge could not compel or otherwise mandate participation in the program, thus volunteers were solicited through court sponsored incentives. In the end, it was a matter of taking anybody that was eligible, and the extremely low participation level was the manifestation of this "who can I get?" sampling method. The participation from the available population of nearly 150 was 5, and then only 2 completed the fitness program (Thompson, 2006, p.99)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Joiner, Courtney T. (2006). An Examination of Racial Profiling Data in a Large Metropolitan Area. Professional Issues in Criminal Justice: A Professional Journal, Volume 1(Number 2) pages 71-85
• Newport, Frank, Saad, Lydia, Moore, David. (1997). How are Polls Conducted? (From Where America Stands). Gallop Polling Organization Website. Retrieved April 1, 2007, from http://media.gallup.com/PDF/FAQ/HowArePolls.pdf
• Reinhardt, Ronald J. (2006). The Trafficking of Eastern European Woman: An Ethnographic Analysis. Professional Issues in Criminal Justice: A Professional Journal, Volume 1(Number 1) pages 105-135
• Scaramella, Gene L., Shannon, Edward W., Giannoni, Mario A. (2006). Rekindling Police Burnout: Implications for the Motivation and Retention of Personnel. Professional Issues in Criminal Justice: A Professional Journal, Volume 1(Number 1) pages 29-50
• Schutt, Robert. (2006). Investigating the Social World, Chapter 7 Experiments, pages 171-199. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

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• Analytical Essay # 132866 : "Studies and Sampling Methods"
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• Research Proposal # 68976 : "Survey Methods for Educational Research"

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