RECRUITMENT AND SAMPLING STRATEGIES
Sampling techniques used in recruiting participants in research vary in qualitative and quantitative research. Sampling is divided into two broad concepts, that is, probability and non-probability sampling techniques (Byrne, 2016). The sampling techniques used in qualitative research are purposeful and convenience sampling while in quantitative research utilizes simple random, systematic, and stratified sampling. Sampling in quantitative research is used when making statements regarding the probability of something occurring in the population (Notebook, 2019). In probability sampling, the researcher has access to all the population, and every individual has an equal chance of being selected. Quantitative researches use non-probability sampling techniques as the basis of their study. The purpose of qualitative research I not to randomly select the population but to focus on specific individuals with the characteristics being studies or relating to the phenomena.
In quantitative research, the results are evaluated if they can be applied to the general population. In contrast, qualitative research looks at similar patients or individuals to assess whether the concepts used are meaningful to the study (Byrne, 2016). Both encompass on the description of the selected sample as a way of eliminating bias. Lastly, the sample size chosen depicts different meanings. In quantitative research, it evaluates whether the sample was large enough to detect a difference in various groups. On the other hand, it determines the suitability of the sample to provide a meaningful description or analysis.
Is randomization appropriate for qualitative studies?
Qualitative studies do not utilize randomization strategies, i.e. random selection or random assignment. First, the sample obtained from a random selection is too small to create meaningful generalization. It also looks at specific individuals and not randomly selected variables. Secondly, sampling criteria in qualitative is purposive meaning the criteria for selecting informants is set to the purpose of the study (Ritchie, Lewis, & Elam, 2016). Lastly, the selection of participants in studying a particular phenomenon requires them to have experienced the phenomena of interest and recruitment ceases when data saturation is reached.
References
Byrne, M. (2016). Sampling for qualitative research. AORN Journal, 73(2), 494-494. Retrieved from: https://go.gale.com/ps/anonymous?id=GALE%7CA70871448&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00012092&p=AONE&sw=w
Notebook, E. B. N. (2019). If you could provide me with a sample: examining sampling in qualitative and quantitative research papers. Retrieved from: https://ebn.bmj.com/content/ebnurs/2/3/68.full.pdf
Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., & Elam, G. (2016). Designing and selecting samples (pp. 77-108). London: Sage. Retrieved from: https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=KdneDQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA79&dq
QUESTION 2
Designing data collection methods
Test the effects of an educational intervention on medication adherence for patients with heart failure. – quantitative study
Quantitative research uses statistical data to understand the attitudes, opinions, experiences, and behaviors of patients (Ruppar et al. 2016). Probability sampling techniques are used in selecting participants after the sample size has been determined. The target population for this study are patients with heart failure receiving educational interventions. The sample is selected randomly, and all individuals have an equal chance of being collected. Comprehensive search and systematic review studies are used to test interventions employed in improving adherence. Random methods and meta-analysis methods are combined because differences are expected from the differences in population and interventions (Ruppar et al. 2016). The methods of data collection used in the quantitative study are questionnaires, interviews, surveys, and random- case trials.
Explore the experience of living with heart failure from patients’ perspectives-qualitative study
The data collection methods used in qualitative research individual interviews, observations, focus groups and action research. The participants are recruited from patients living with heart failure. The sample size of the study depends on the willingness of the participants, and if they meet the set criteria. The researcher can either interview, observe, or use a focus group to acquire data during the intervention period. Data can be searched in databases that can provide reliable and credible information on the topic. In this study, focus groups will be utilized as it encourages communication, helps participants explore and clarify their views and preferences (Malhotra et al. 2016). Participants can be recruited from a particular hospital, with the eligible age group above 18 years. In recruiting participants, consent must be obtained, and then demographic data is acquired. It is also essential to consider factors such as literacy levels, inclusion and exclusion criteria to avoid bias. Lastly, the focus groups are engaged in discussion and probing question used to understand individuals’ perspectives further.
References
Malhotra, C., Cheng Sim Wong, G., Tan, B. C., Ng, C. S. H., Lee, N. C., Lau, C. S. L., … & Finkelstein, E. A. (2016). Living with heart failure: Perspectives of patients from Singapore. Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare, 25(2), 92-97. doi/pdf/10.1177/2010105815624121
Ruppar, T. M., Cooper, P. S., Mehr, D. R., Delgado, J. M., & Dunbar‐Jacob, J. M. (2016). Medication adherence interventions improve heart failure mortality and readmission rates: systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials. Journal of the American Heart Association, 5(6), e002606. doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.115.002606