When it comes to investigating the research problem from Week 4, the further step is to draw attention to various sampling structures. Scholars can use probability or nonprobability sampling, depending on what objectives they want to achieve. As for the research problem regarding teenage pregnancy, the two sampling structures can be used. Thus, it is necessary to comment on how these approaches choose a sample from the population and focus on their strengths and weaknesses.
The whole population includes pregnant teenagers in the United States, and appropriate samples are necessary to study it. According to Yegidis et al. (2018), probability sampling refers to a random selection of participants. In particular, simple random sampling implies using computer software to generate random numbers, and they will indicate specific individuals due to the assigned consecutive numbers that were given to the population (Yegidis et al., 2018). This strategy means that diverse individuals will be included in the sample. Simultaneously, it is possible to use nonprobability sampling. Yegidis et al. (2018) admit that purposive mode instance sampling can be useful for the research question under analysis because this approach focuses on the most typical participants. Since Williams-Breault (2020) states that teenage pregnancy rates are higher among minorities, it can be rational to exclude non-Hispanic white Americans from the sample. This approach will create a more homogenous selection of participants.
It is necessary to comment on the strengths and limitations of the sampling structures. On the one hand, a probability approach is useful since it allows the creation of a sample that is as close to the population as possible (Yegidis et al., 2018). Consequently, the sample findings will be relevant to the population. This approach’s leading limitation is time-consuming because it is necessary to assign consecutive numbers to a large population. On the other hand, Yegidis et al. (2018) state that nonprobability sampling makes it possible to analyze the presence of the issue within a specific group. However, this feature denotes that the research results will be biased. Thus, the paper has demonstrated that scholars can use different sampling approaches, and the choice depends on research goals.
References
Williams-Breault, B. D. (2020). Teen pregnancy: United States vs. Europe. International Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences Studies, 5(6), 46-54.
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.