Research Sampling
Sampling Techniques
A research sample is a group of people or objects derived from a larger population for measurement. This sample represents the whole population that the researcher wants to study. There are two significant categories of sampling techniques: probability sampling involves the random selection of subjects. This method is the most accurate in finding a sample representative. The second is probability sampling, which is a non-random selection based on convenience and other criteria, thus allowing for accessible collection of data. In research, getting to understand in depth the processes involved and the ethical considerations involved is very important and is discussed in this paper.
Types of Probability Sampling
Under probability sampling, there are other categories. Simple random sampling is where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Second is a systematic specimen, similar to simple random selection, but in this case, instead of randomly generating numbers, individuals are assigned at regular intervals. It ensures every nth of the population is represented. Third is a stratified specimen, where the population is divided into strata based on relevant characteristics such as age and qualifications, and then individuals are randomly selected from those subgroups. Lastly is the Cluster test group, which also incorporates the division of a population into subgroups.
Types of Non-Probability Sampling
Non-probability sampling also has four branches, including convenience sampling, which uses individuals who are most accessible. Voluntary response sampling uses people who volunteer. In purposive sampling, the researcher uses their expertise to select the sample population. Snowball sampling, where the participants recruit other participants for the study.
Choosing Sampling in PTSD Research Among Nurses
The population under study, in this case, is nurses who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in their workplaces; therefore, to get accurate results at the end of the study, ensuring the sample population is all-inclusive is a vital part. This can be achieved by ensuring that the sampling method ensures that all subjects have equal chances of being chosen (Roscoe, 2021). This also ensures that the people choosing the sample population are unbiased and well-equipped with the tools to represent a good sample population. The most important part of choosing a sample is ensuring that it represents the population. In that case, the sample method used is vital, and according to research, the best way to ensure that is by using simple random sampling.
Ethical Recruitment Issues
Recruitment of Participants
The pressure of choosing the right people to participate and ensuring that it is equitable is challenging. Therefore, the subjects should be given equal opportunities to get a place in the study (Campbell et al., 2020). Since these nurses are going into their particular departments in the facility, choosing randomly from those departments will ensure that each nurse has an equal chance.
Informed Consent
After getting the sample population, consent should be obtained ethically with no coercion. The research can commence once all the participants have signed informed consent. To ensure that the consent meets the ethical requirements, all participants should be given enough information about the study that will be undertaken. The information should be sufficient and appropriate, so the participant can decide whether to participate. Before the end, the participants signing the consent form should have all the information required, including information about withdrawing from the study.
Data Collection
Ethical Principles
Data collection involves retrieving information from the individuals chosen to participate. It involves the use of tools such as questionnaires and interviews. During data collection, ethics will earn the team more trust from the participants; thus, upholding them is vital (Hammer, 2017). This includes ensuring that all the tools used are ethically up to date. They ensure that the participants give information willingly and not in a forced manner. The four fundamental ethical principles apply fairness to all participants, the privacy of information given, transparency and accountability.
Types of Data
Being research in the medical field, the data being collected will be a specialized process in which specific sets of data are collected. The data will mostly depend on the descriptions of experiences by the nurses, and qualitative data will be dominant. Quantitative data will be retrieved from existing data and statistics, thus creating a wholesome study. If a participant wants to leave the study, he or she should be allowed to because it is their right to withdraw from the study whenever they want to. However, they should give an early withdrawal proposal to enable the researcher to adjust to the change well. In order to avoid the same incidents, the participant should give reasons why they are withdrawing. This way, measures will be implemented to prevent the same occurrence.
Ethical Reporting
Importance of Privacy
After data collection, ensuring that the data collected is kept private to protect the participant’s privacy is important. If the data is collected online, then end-to-end encryption should be ensured in the computers used. This way, information about the respondent will not be leaked. If the data collection is physical, including papers, all these documents should be kept behind closed cabinets and accessed only by authorized persons. In addition, personal identifiers on the files should be removed as soon as possible to enhance privacy.
The Role of Ethics in Research
In conclusion, ethics in research is a vital ingredient to ensuring the success of ant research. When the ethics are considered, the study flows smoothly as everyone will feel protected and well included. Throughout all the processes followed in research, from the introduction to the conclusion, every step should be done in a way that the participant’s rights are upheld, and this will enable the researcher to easily achieve their goals effectively and easily.
References
Campbell. S. et al. (2020). Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples. Journal of research in Nursing. 25(8). 652-661. Web.
Hammer. M. (2017). Ethical Considerations for Data Collection Using Surveys. Oncology Nursing Forum. 44(2). Web.
Roscoe. D. (2021). Designing for diversity: Inclusive Sampling. Ergodesign and HCI. 9(1). 67. Web.
