The Significance of Composition and Size in Sampling

     Sampling is a fundamental aspect of research that directly affects the validity, reliability, and generalizability of study findings. The composition and size of a sample influence how well a study represents the target population, impacting the accuracy and applicability of results. The composition of a sample refers to the characteristics of the participants included in a study, such as demographic factors, health status, and socioeconomic background. Ensuring that a sample reflects the target population is critical for producing meaningful results. If a sample lacks diversity or does not represent the population accurately, it can introduce bias, limiting the study’s external validity (Taherdoost, 2016). Additionally, sampling methods also play a role in study outcomes. Probability sampling, such as simple random sampling or stratified sampling, increases the likelihood that the sample represents the broader population, reducing selection bias (Etikan & Bala, 2017). In contrast, non-probability sampling methods, such as convenience or purposive sampling, may introduce bias but are often used when studying specific populations or when resources are limited. For example, in qualitative nursing research exploring the lived experiences of patients with chronic pain, purposive sampling would be appropriate to select participants who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Sample Size and Its Effects on Study Outcomes

      Sample size directly impacts the study’s statistical power and the reliability of its findings. A larger sample size increases the likelihood of detecting true differences within a study, reducing the risk of Type II errors (Bujang, 2022). In contrast, a small sample size can lead to unstable estimates and limit the study’s generalizability. Researchers often use power analysis to determine the appropriate sample size for quantitative studies to ensure statistical significance while avoiding unnecessary resource expenditure (Kang, 2021). Regarding qualitative research, a sample size is determined by data saturation, meaning that researchers continue collecting data until no new themes or insights emerge. While qualitative studies typically require smaller sample sizes, researchers must ensure they include diverse perspectives to enhance the credibility of findings (Hennink & Kaiser, 2022).

      In conclusion, both the composition and size of a sample significantly influence the reliability and applicability of research findings. A well-composed sample improves external validity by accurately representing the target population, while an appropriately sized sample ensures sufficient statistical power. By carefully selecting both sample composition and size, researchers can enhance the quality of nursing research and contribute to evidence-based practice that improves patient care.

References

Bujang, M. A., Sa’at, N., Tg Abu Bakar Sidik, T. M. I., & Chien Joo, L. (2018). Sample Size Guidelines for Logistic Regression from Observational Studies with Large Population: Emphasis on the Accuracy Between Statistics and Parameters Based on Real Life Clinical Data. Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 25(4), 122–130. https://doi.org/10.21315/mjms2018.25.4.12

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Etikan, I., & Bala, K. (2017). Sampling and Sampling Methods. Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal, 5(6), 215–217. https://doi.org/10.15406/bbij.2017.05.00149

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Hennink, M., & Kaiser, B. N. (2022). Sample Sizes for Saturation in Qualitative Research: a Systematic Review of Empirical Tests. Social Science & Medicine, 292(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114523

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Kang, H. (2021). Sample Size Determination and Power Analysis Using the G*Power Software. Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions, 18(17), 17. https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2021.18.17

Taherdoost, H. (2016). Sampling Methods in Research Methodology; How to Choose a Sampling Technique for Research. International Journal of Academic Research in Management, 5(2), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3205035

 Question 1

Identify the full name of guideline you have identified. This will be your choice from the three options above: A pending bill, a current policy, or the development of a new bill. Include in your response a direct link to the bill or policy you are referring to or a copy of the health policy. If you are recommending a new bill, please include a one-page draft of your recommendation.

 Question 2

Identify the level at which you will advocate for your bill or policy.

• If its legislation, please let us know whether it falls into the scope of the House or Senate and if it’s at the Federal or State level
• If you chose a healthcare policy, please identify the scope as the community, a facility, an insurance agency etc.

 

Question 3

Provide a detailed explanation with a minimum of two reasons why this healthcare policy or bill is important. Scholarly support and citations are required.

 Question 5Using this link with your current address, please identify your US legislators. https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-memberLinks to an external site..  Identify the leader or change agent by name as well as their role from the level you noted in question 2. Tell us who is appropriate to advocate for this policy change or adoption. Example: Ted Cruz, US Senate, Texas; Adam Anderson, State House of Representatives, Florida; Dr. Olivia Smith, Director, Office of Health Equity.  After identifying the appropriate leader or change agent, in 2-4 sentences, describe why this individual is the most appropriate to advocate for this policy change or adoption. 

 

Question 6

What is the leader or representative’s mailing address AND email address? 

 

Question 7

State the member of your community who you can elicit feedback from regarding your policy advocacy efforts. Please tell us their first name and their role in your community as well as an email or phone number to contact them. This individual can be a neighbor, coworker, family member etc.. who lives in your community and interacts with the healthcare system in any way (patient family member, healthcare provider). Upload the completed Stakeholder Validation Tool here.

 

Pulmonary Function:
D.R. is a 27-year-old man, who presents to the nurse practitioner at the Family Care Clinic complaining of increasing SOB, wheezing, fatigue, cough, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and postnasal drainage—all of which began four days ago. Three days ago, he began monitoring his peak flow rates several times a day. His peak flow rates have ranged from 65-70% of his regular baseline with nighttime symptoms for 3 nights on the last week and often have been at the lower limit of that range in the morning. Three days ago, he also began to self-treat with frequent albuterol nebulizer therapy. He reports that usually his albuterol inhaler provides him with relief from his asthma symptoms, but this is no longer enough treatment for this asthmatic episode.

Case Study Questions

1. According to the case study information, how would you classify the severity of D.R. asthma attack?
2. Name the most common triggers for asthma in any given patients and specify in your answer which ones you consider applied to D.R. on the case study.
3. Based on your knowledge and your research, please explain the factors that might be the etiology of D.R. being an asthmatic patient.

Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Homeostasis:
Ms. Brown is a 70-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been too ill to get out of bed for 2 days. She has had a severe cough and has been unable to eat or drink during this time. On admission, her laboratory values show the following:

• Serum glucose 412 mg/dL
• Serum sodium (Na+) 156 mEq/L
• Serum potassium (K+) 5.6 mEq/L
• Serum chloride (Cl–) 115 mEq/L
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs): pH 7.30; PaCO2 32 mmHg; PaO2 70 mmHg; HCO3– 20 mEq/L

Case Study Questions

1. Based on Ms. Brown admission’s laboratory values, could you determine what type of water and electrolyte imbalance does she has?
2. Describe the signs and symptoms to the different types of water imbalance and described clinical manifestation she might exhibit with the potassium level she has.
3. In the specific case presented which would be the most appropriate treatment for Ms. Brown and why?
4. What the ABGs from Ms. Brown indicate regarding her acid-base imbalance?
5. Based on your readings and your research define and describe Anion Gaps and its clinical significance.

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• You must complete both case studies
• Your initial post should be at least 500 words per case study, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.