Read the background materials for this module. After doing so, address the following questions in a four-page paper:

1. The sampling frame is arguably the most critical element of a study’s sampling plan. Why is this so?
2. How might a poorly specified sampling frame forestall the research process?
3. Are studies that employ convenience sampling invalid? Please explain.

Of the sampling methods presented in this module, which optimize external validity? If this term is unfamiliar, revisit the Module 2 home page. Please explain.

Background Material:

Gentles, S. J., Charles, C., Ploeg, J., & McKibbon, K. A. (2015). Sampling in qualitative research: Insights from an overview of the methods literature. The Qualitative Report, 20(11), 1772.

Hammond, F., Malec, J. F., Nick, T., & Buschbacher, R. M. (2015). Handbook for Clinical Research: Design, Statistics, and Implementation. Part II: Statistics. Chapter 20: Types of Data. New York, NY: Demos Medical. Available via EBSCOHOST Available via EBSCOHOST.

Holman, A. (2014) Statistics Lesson 1 – Types of Data. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxLUdXsvbMY

Murphy, M. P., Staffileno, B. A., & Foreman, M. D. (2018). Research for Advanced Practice Nurses. Part II. Building Blocks for Evidence. Chapter 10: Sampling Methods. Third Edition. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. Available via EBSCOHOST

Statistics Learning Center (2012, March 13). Sampling: Simple Random, Convenience, systematic, cluster, stratified – Statistics Help. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/be9e-Q-jC-0