Encyclopedia of Research Design, Research Paper Example

Sampling Approach 

Ex post facto quantitative studies are ideal for conducting research that is sociological in nature when it is not acceptable or possible to manipulate various traits and characteristics of the participants. Such a study will be used to test various hypotheses regarding correlational relationships regarding the demographics of members of the Black Lives Matter movement. The approach of this study will survey subjects who differ on independent demographic variables  Many people are cognizant of the Black Lives Matter movement that germinated in the aftermath of various incidents of police brutality against unarmed members of subaltern communities, but very few people do not fully understand the extent of the support that the movement has from a demographic angle. There is much currency in a study aimed at ascertaining which people from certain demographic are involved in supporting the movement, especially for politicians to truly comprehend the contours of this escalating social and political movement. This study is quantitative in nature. Because there are specific perspectives that have been identified that need to be examined, the research participants must cover that entire range of variables that have already been identified. Convenience sampling retains currency in a study such as this one that needs to include a broad range of perspectives and includes participants that meet the stated criteria with regards to the Black Lives Movement. While the Black Lives Movement has extended on a macro scale, widespread participation has not been proven. As such, researchers need to find participants who can provide data in a convenient manner. The movement is most visible in big cities, so using participants from these big cities is the most convenient and will ensure more success, especially since this study is quantitative in nature.

Sampling size and justification 

Individuals living in major cities across the world will receive the survey in the mail. Close care will be taken to select members of the population that reflect a wide range of income, racial, and age backgrounds and who are noted to be involved in the Black Lives Matter movement to a certain extent. Approximately 3000 people will be selected for the study in total as an ample sample size for this particular study in order to trace demographic trends of those who are involved in this movement. Cities in both the North and South will be selected to ensure that individuals from diverse areas will be selected. 500 people will be selected to participate in the study in New York City, 500 from Boston, 500 from Los Angeles, 500 will be selected from Chicago, 500 will be selected from Atlanta, and 500 will be selected from Houston. After the data from this survey is collected, it will be necessary to conduct quantitative analysis in order to fully understand the trends therein. A large sample study conducted on a national scale is necessary in order to effectively and accurately conduct statistical analysis after gathering the data from the surveys.  Because this survey aims at collected census information but is not a study on the entire population, 3000 participants is more directly proportional to the number of individuals involved in the Black Lives Matter movement in comparison to the rest of the U.S. population at large.

Statistical power for analysis 

The magnitude of the effect of those involved in the Black Lives Matter Movement within this study can be quantified in terms of the effect size of the movement. This so-called effect size is an approximation of the amount of interest as a standardized measure that takes into consideration variability within the American population. Within this study, the sample size and the effect size will be able to determine the statistical power of analysis of this study.

Data collection technique for mock study

To carry out this study, a correlational study will be conducted and disseminated to a random sample size across the nation. These surveys will pose questions regarding people’s level of participation in the Black Lives Matter movement in addition to their demographics, such as income level, age, gender, religion, and race. The Maslach Burnout Inventory will also be used in conjunction with this survey in order to gain a deeper comprehension of the individuals who follow and are involved in or who do not follow and are actively involved in this burgeoning social and political movement. In correlational studies call for the researcher to pinpoint the antecedents of involvement from a demographic perspective in the Black Lives Matter movement. Thereafter, the researchers will collect two datasets, one that is retrospective in nature, with the goal of establishing a relationship between the two sets of data.

References

Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2000). Research methods in education. London: Routledge Falmer.

Hunter, L. & Leahey, E. (2008). Collaborative research in sociology: Trends and  contributing factors. The American Sociologist, 39(4), 290.

Kerlinger, F.N. & Rint, N. (1986). Foundations of behavioral research. Fort Worth, Texas: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.

Silva, C.N. (2010). Ex post facto study. Encyclopedia of Research Design. Retrieved November 3, 2015 from https://srmo.sagepub.com/view/encyc-of-research-design/n145.xml