Sampling (sample size and sampling technique) and quantitative data collection

Module 5

Sampling (sample size and sampling technique) and quantitative data collection

Training course in research methodology, research protocol development and scientific writing 2024

October 2, 2024 - Geneva

Assignment

Part 1 (25 marks)

Question 1 (8 marks)

Go over the abstract and method sections of the cross-sectional study below and respond to the questions.

Makuza JD, Rwema JOT, Ntihabose CK, Dushimiyimana D, Umutesi J, Nisingizwe MP, Serumondo J, Semakula M, Riedel DJ, Nsanzimana S. Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity and its associated factors in Rwanda. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2019 May 3;19(1):381.

1.1 Who were (a) the target population, (b) the study population and (c) the sample unit?

1.2 What type of sampling method was used in this study?

1.3 Do you think the sampling method used in this study could measure the prevalence properly? Why or why not?

Question 2 (5 marks)

Go over the abstract and method sections of the cross-sectional study below and respond to the questions.

Nguyen PH, Budiharsana MP. Receiving voluntary family planning services has no relationship with the paradoxical situation of high use of contraceptives and abortion in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women’s Health. 2012 May 28;12(1):14.

2.1 What type of sampling method was used in the study? Give a brief description.

2.2 What type of tool was used to collect data?

Question 3 (4 marks)

Go over the abstract and method sections of the cross-sectional study below and respond to the question.

Singh S, Shankar R, Singh GP. Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Varanasi. Int J Hypertens. 2017;2017:5491838. doi: 10.1155/2017/5491838. Epub 2017 Dec 3. PMID: 29348933; PMCID: PMC5733954.

What type of sampling method was used in this study? Mention all stages and the sampling technique in each stage.

Question 4 (8 marks)

Go over the abstract and method sections of the cross-sectional study below and respond to the questions.

Zhu Z, Yan H, Wu S, Xu Y, Xu W, Liu L, Li X, Xu F, Detels R. Trends in HIV prevalence and risk behaviours among men who have sex with men from 2013 to 2017 in Nanjing, China: a consecutive cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open. 2019 Jan 30;9(1):e021955.

4.1 What sampling methods were used in this study? Describe how the participants were recruited.

4.2 Why do you think the researchers used these sampling methods in this study?

Part 2

Reflect over the research topic, question and study design for your research protocol, revise if necessary and submit to your coach for review and feedback.

• If your study design is quantitative, it is highly recommended that you start drafting the methodology of your protocol under the following subheadings:
  • Study design
    • What study design do you propose?
    • If the design is analytic in nature, identify your exposure and outcome variables.
  • Study setting:
    • Where will the study be conducted?
    • What is the source of data if secondary data will be used?
  • Study population
    • Who are the population/cohort of your study?
    • Procedure of selection of study participants
    • Inclusion and exclusion criteria
  • Sampling
    • Sampling technique
    • Sample size
  • Procedure for data collection
    • Data collection tools
    • Pilot testing (if applicable)