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SOC 333 Week 4 Discussion 1, Quantitative Methods

Differentiate between randomized and nonrandomized approaches to sampling populations. Discuss the importance of the role of sampling when conducting research. Discuss the usefulness of pretesting, pilot testing, or field-testing a survey. Explain how response bias can influence the outcomes of a study. Explain why measures of dispersion and measures of central tendencies are important when doing data analysis and interpretation in an experimental study. Discuss the implications of using previously used instruments on the outcomes of a study.

SOC 333 Week 4 Discussion 2, Qualitative Methods

Examine the list of characteristics of qualitative research provided on pages 185-186. Which three characteristics do you think will be most important in your research? Justify your choices. Why do you think the researcher is important when conducting qualitative research? What do you perceive is the most important role of gatekeepers in qualitative research? Explain. Discuss the relative merits of using manual as opposed to computer-based coding when completing qualitative data analysis. What specific issue would you research? And what would you hope to gain from the experience? Do you feel you would have challenges maintaining researcher separation with becoming too immersed in that world?