1. Surveys, Samples and Populations
Psychology
Mrs. Deming

2. Survey Method
Gathering information by asking people directly about a particular subject
Written or oral
Easy to survey large numbers
Problems—honesty, fear of confidentiality, saying what they think you want to hear

3. Survey Method Ex. 1960s Tooth brushing Habits Survey
3 times the amount of toothpaste should have been sold based on answers that were provided

4. Populations and Samples
Must consider what group or groups of people you wish to examine
How will they be selected?
Target population—whole group you want to study or describe
Too expensive to survey all--sample

5. Selecting Samples Scientifically selected
Random Sample = selected by chance from the target population; each member has an equal chance of being selected
Stratified Random Sample = subgroups
Ex. African Americans 14%

6. Generalizing Results Must be cautious about generalizing results
Depends on the sample that was taken in order to make judgments

7. Volunteer Bias No control over who participates
Can’t force people to participate
Bias = predisposition to a certain point of view

8. Volunteer Bias
Volunteer Bias = different outlook if you want to participate—affects the findings
More willing to divulge info
Interested in research
Spare time

9. Questionnaire
Do surveys and/or questionnaires in popular teen magazines such as YM, Seventeen, and Cosmopolitan represent all teenagers across the United States?
Why or why not?