Hypothetical Sampling Procedure: Sample Gradebook Dataset
An appropriate sample size increases confidence in a result. The sample size can also help guide choices for what statistical procedure to use and how powerful it will be.
In this assignment, you will write a 1- to 2-page paper developing a hypothetical sampling procedure to build a sample gradebook dataset. In our example, we use a “sample of the whole” because we are analyzing the entire gradebook for a single glass. Thus, our results would apply to only that single class, rather than to other classes in a school or other grade levels or subject matter at other schools in the district, city, county, or country.
Step 1. Delineate
Delineate possible steps for securing permission from the school district to use student gradebook data from a single class. How will you anonymize the data and ensure there is no identifiable information attached to each student?
Delineate the steps for exporting the dataset, cleaning it, anonymizing it, and inputting it into Microsoft Excel.
Delineate any steps you might need to complete for securing approval from an institutional review board (IRB) to protect human subjects.
Step 2. Analyze
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of using a “sample of the whole,” especially for a small dataset. Why might this be convenient, but not generalizable?
Why might this be considered an empirical (quantitative) case study? What relation does this have to the relatively small sample and, in fact, small population?
Step 3. Research
Locate at least one scholarly reference regarding sampling the whole and/or quantitative case studies to strengthen your hypothetical sampling procedures.
Compose your 1- to 2-page paper, compiling Steps 1 through 3 above. Include an introduction and conclusion and at least one scholarly reference.
Hypothetical Sampling Procedure
Author’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Code and Name
Professor’s Name
Date
Hypothetical Sampling Procedure
Sampling entails selecting a sample or portion of the target group to represent the entire population. In particular, in the hypothetical sampling procedure emphasized in this paper, using a “sample of the whole” will involve analyzing an entire grade book for only a single class. The paper delineates the steps to be followed in obtaining permission from the school district to use the grade book data, how to export the dataset, the strengths and weaknesses of a “sample of the whole,” and how to get approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
The primary step to obtaining permission from the school district to use student grade book data is to visit the institution and talk to the management about it. At this juncture, the researcher will illustrate how the data will be used if granted permission. The data will be anonymized by concealing students’ names, identity numbers, contacts, birthdates, and other sensitive information. After the explanation of how the data will be used,