University Public Health Research: Survey Design and Sampling Methods

The assignment focuses on public health research, specifically addressing sampling methods and survey design within the context of a student recreational trip. It outlines the process of selecting a sample population from a target population of 300 students, using a random sampling technique involving repeated selections to ensure unbiased representation. The assignment details how to gain access to the sample population through a cross-sectional survey, conducted either online or in a classroom setting, to gather timely data and prevent the impact of changing opinions. The solution includes references to relevant literature on sampling methods and research design, highlighting the importance of selecting an appropriate sample size and method to ensure the validity of the research findings. The assignment emphasizes how to conduct research on a class of students for a recreational trip, and aims to provide students with an understanding of how to collect and analyze data effectively.

Running head: RESEARCH IN PUBLIC HEALTH
RESEARCH IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

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If, say for example, a survey is to be conducted across a class of 200 students, on whether
a trip to the museum or an art gallery will be appropriate for the next recreational trip organized
by the school, the following considerations will be kept in mind:
What sample size might you use to collect data on the target population? For
instance, will you seek to sample individuals or groups within the target population sharing
similar characteristics? Explain your reasoning: To select the sample population for the
above data, groups of students will be sampled from the target population. This will include the
randomly marking or selecting 10% of the students, that is 30 students, from the target
population of 300 students. After segregating the names of the marked students, either via
computer generated numbers or tagged envelopes, they will again be returned to the target
population followed by again randomly selecting 10 % students (marked or not marked) 10
times. The average number of marked students selected out of the 10 intervals will then be
chosen as the sample representing the population, and hence, will be subjects chosen for the
survey.
Such a method of random sampling will be beneficial since it prevent any form of data
skewing and will provide both marked as well as unmarked students equal opportunity to gain a
chance in the survey. This will then pave the way for gaining results which are unbiased, valid
and representative of the target population (Emerson, 2015).
How might you go about gaining access to your sample population? : Considering
that the sample and target population comprises of students within a class, access can be gained
by conducting a cross sectional survey online or within class room premises itself. This will
ensure that results are obtained within one attempt and in one single point of time. This will

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prevent confounding impacts of ‘time’ on the results, considering that the sampled students may
change their opinions later (Bell & Jones, 2015).

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References
Bell, A., & Jones, K. (2015). Explaining fixed effects: Random effects modeling of time-series
cross-sectional and panel data. Political Science Research and Methods, 3(1), 133-153.
Emerson, R. W. (2015). Convenience sampling, random sampling, and snowball sampling: How
does sampling affect the validity of research?. Journal of Visual Impairment &
Blindness, 109(2), 164-168.