Sampling Techniques, Coursework Example

1. What type of sampling technique was used?

The technique of sampling used is convenience sampling. This is because the researchers have selected a particular group of people (African-American suffering from type 2 diabetes) but des not come close to making samples of the entire population. The researchers wanted to determine the feasibility of providing Diabetes Coaching Program for African Americans in a small sample (12 persons) of African Americans in Texas. The result obtained was used to generalize the feasibility of such programs in other parts of the United States.

2. Are the conclusions of the article within the boundaries of the sample? Alternatively, have the authors generalized beyond the ability of the sample?

Yes. The authors generalized beyond the ability of the sample. For one, even the authors have admitted that their data must be treated with caution given the small sample involved. Secondly, even though the study has been generalized to have provided substantial insights into the feasibility of Diabetes Coaching Program, various aspects of the programs, such as copping skills and resilience, did not yield the desired results. Resilience, for example, required that the study be reduced to individual level. Lastly, given that the participants were not randomly selected, it is not scientifically feasible to make general conclusions out of such studies.

3. Have the authors misused the sampling technique in any way and, if so, how?

The authors may have misused the sampling techniques by modifying its application. Typically, convenience sampling is used by researchers on subjects that are known to them. In this study, the researchers did not personally know the participants and had to rely on the church to help them recruit the participants. This might have affected the outcome of the research to some degree.

References

Steinhardt, M. A. (2009). A Resilience Intervention in African American Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A

Pilot Study of Efficacy. Journal of Diabetes Education. U.S.A: National Center for

Biotechnology Education. Retrieved February 11, 2012< http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001398/