Introduction to the Theory of Statistics Assignment Sample

• Subject Name : Statistics

Population Data

Potential Sources of Population Data that can be used to Select Participants

To identify and contact the two groups who use the local community health service and those who do not use, the first step is to decide the method of selection of participants. The nominal level of measurement is used as basically the measurement is based upon mere categories which are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive.

Whenever possible, census based estimates should be preferred. It is preferable to conduct a census if all the cases of melanoma are present on a national or regional database and all the potential risk factors are also available. However, there are many limitations that prevent us from using census-based surveys. The high costs and the huge requirement of logistics makes it difficult to use.

If the source of population data is hospital or health services records then it is very convenient to select the participants from it and finding the demographic characteristics of the population who are using the health services and those who do not use. But the limitation of this source of population data is that it generally includes the data of only affected people. Also, the data may be incomplete if the lists are from public units and the results may vary from those who prefer private services.

Sampling Method

The best source is the telephone directory because the phone numbers can be acquired for the server as well as the locality can be selected.

The method which is chosen for taking the sample depends on the nature of the population and the time and money resources available. The sample should be representative and unbiased. To recruit participants such that to find the demographic characteristics of people and distinguish between those who actually use the health service and those who do not use, random sampling is the best method which should be used. In random sampling, unbiased and representative sample is produced.

However, the disadvantage of random sampling is that it can be difficult to take a random sample when dealing with people and it could be expensive. This sampling method relies on the entire population information that is available which may not hold true in real world. Also, this method does not take into account the special information or requirements.

Questionnaire

The questions should be designed such that the qualitative data can be obtained. For the purpose of analysis, the questions can be broken down to common responses.

References for Population Data

Caldwell, S. (2013). Statistics unplugged (4. edition, International edition ed.). Australia: Wadsworth

Cengage Learning.

Mood, A. M. (1950). Introduction to the Theory of Statistics.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014f). Introduction to statistics.

Statistics Learning Center (2012). Sampling: Simple, Convenience, Systematic, Cluster, Stratified.

[Approximate length: 4:53] Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be9e-Q-jC-0

Dillman, D. A. Smyth, J.D., and Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-mode surveys :

the tailored design method (4th Ed). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Retrieved from the Torrens

University Australia Library databases.

Statistics Learning Center (2012). Sampling: Simple, Convenience, Systematic, Cluster, Stratified.

[Approximate length: 4:53] Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be9e-Q-jC-0

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