Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory
Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory
Sampling theory
Sampling theory refers to the structured study of the unique relationship that exists a random sample drawn from a population and the population. It is important to note that the theory only applies to random samples since it assumes that the whole population is an aggregation of individual members who have aggregated common trait(s). The theory is of relevance to nursing research because it addresses the logistical, time and financial concerns associated with sampling the whole population. Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory. Through identifying a random sample, the research is able to access the traits that are unique to the population and in proportions that are representative of the population. Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory. In addition, the theory acknowledges that a larger number of samples offers a truer representation of the whole population since this allows the research to access more traits that acknowledge the diversity existing in the population. Overall, the theory acknowledges that a research can access part of a population to draw conclusions about the whole population with regards to statistical estimation, hypothesis tests, and statistical inference (Goos & Meintrup, 2016). Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory.
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Generalizability is an important concept in nursing research. It refers to the extension of the research conclusion and findings from the study conducted on a sample of the population to the whole population. Although the dependability of generalizing research results is not absolute with regards to extending the results to the whole population, the statistical results offer some element of probability. Given that generalizability is based on data to determine probability, then it is not hard to accept that data from large populations offer the best foundation for producing broad generalizability Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory. The implication is that larger samples offer more generalizable results. For instance, a comprehensive study of the effects of a new drug would produce more generalizable results if larger samples are used. Overall, generalizability is concerned with transferring the research findings from a sample to the whole population (Rowe, 2015). Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory.
References
Goos, P. & Meintrup, D. (2016). Statistics with JMP: Hypothesis Tests, ANOVA and Regression. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Rowe, P. (2015). Essential statistics for the pharmaceutical sciences. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Generalizability in nursing research – Sampling theory.