Often, we search for data or research studies that are already available to help us make informed de ...
Often, we search for data or research studies that are already available to help us make informed decisions, claims, or predictions about a population. When searching for such data or existing studies, it is important that we use credible and reliable information. The Gallup Poll is a polling organization that conducts public opinion polls on local, national, and global scales. Originating in the early 1900s, this long-standing organization is a generally well-respected, reliable, and accurate source of data and data analyses. In this discussion, you will explore Gallup polls in areas related to your field of study. We will identify and interpret key statistical concepts that we have studied last week and this week as they are applied in the Gallup polls. Discussion Topic Begin this discussion by reviewing the "Key Concepts" to be considered when addressing the discussion prompts in the first tab below. Each of these concepts are elaborated upon in the text readings for this module. After reviewing the tabs for instructions for your "Original Post" and "Replies" for this discussion, select the "Examples" tab for examples of participation in this discussion. KEY CONCEPTS: When collecting data, the survey method is the means by which the data is obtained from the sample. For example, the survey method may be a telephone interview, a web-based questionnaire, or an in-person focus group. The survey method is a significant factor to consider when deciding whether the data obtained from the survey can accurately reflect a diverse population. When you are asked to describe the survey method, you are being asked to state how the data was collected from the sample. We recall from our 1.1 Discussion the population in a research study or statistical analysis is the overall group of people (or things) about which we are trying to make a claim, answer a question, or make a prediction. The sample is a subset of that population. We hope that we choose an effective sampling method so that the sample we obtain accurately reflects the diversity of the population. When you are asked to identify the sample group in the poll, some important facts to include are the size of the sample and how the sample was selected from the population it represents. Having a sample that is "large enough" and a sample that was selected with a carefully selected sampling method are important requirements for ensuring that the sample selected is most likely to be representative of the diversity in its population. To understand the diversity of a population, we should consider in what ways a population might be diverse. There are many commonly considered factors in diversity, including (but not limited to): age education level employment status/profession ethnicity geographic region gender and gender identification race religion sexual orientation socio-economic class There are many other factors which can contribute to the diversity of a population. When considering whether a sample represents the diversity of its population in this discussion, focus on the survey method and the sample identified. Is the survey method equally accessible and understandable to all members of the population so that every member of the population has an equal chance of accurately expressing their opinion in the survey? Does the sampling method provide that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample? In your opinion, is the sample "large enough" to include a reasonably diverse subset of the population? Are there segments of the population that are likely to be underrepresented or left out of the sample based on the sampling method (how the sample was selected), or based on the survey method (how the data is to be collected)? These are the kinds of questions you should address when deciding whether the sample represents the diversity of its population. EXAMPLES Some ways the diversity of a population might not be represented in a study (related to survey method and sample): Members of lower income classes who don't have regular access to phone service might be underrepresented in a study in which uses telephone surveys and random digit dialing to deflect the sample and gather data. Members who speak English as a second language might be underrepresented in a study in which paper surveys (in English) were mailed to a simple random sample of the population A sample of only 100 people across the United States, no matter how they were selected, could not possibly accurately reflect the diversity of the entire country. Select the "Original Post" tab for instructions on how to make your first post in this discussion. ORIGINAL POST: Get on the Gallup websiteLinks to an external site.. Pick one of the articles on the Gallup website OR choose one of the articles "Resources" page for your degree field. MY DEGREE FIELD IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. In your original post, answer the following: Discuss one or two of the results or major findings (there will be a lot, so do not feel the need to discuss them all). Describe the survey methods used by Gallup. What sample group was used in the poll? Do you think the sample represents the diversity of the entire population? Be sure to document the poll you discuss in APA format so that your classmates may reference the poll as needed to reply to your post. Select the "Resources" tab for a list of some of the Gallup polls from which you can choose. You may also select a different poll from the Gallup website, provided you are able to address each of the discussion prompts with the poll you choose. Check with your instructor if you are unsure. Select the "Examples" tab to see what an original post for this discussion might look like. Select the "Replies" tab for instructions on what you should include in your replies to classmates in this discussion. CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESOURCES: Naguib, C. (2020, October 29). Implications of inequitable policing in fragile communities. https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/312707/implications-inequitable-policing-fragile-communities.aspxLinks to an external site. Crabtree, S. (2020, October 29). Large racial gaps on crime seen in 'Fragile Communities'. https://news.gallup.com/poll/251723/large-racial-gaps-crime-seen-fragile-communities.aspxLinks to an external site. McCarthy, J. (2019, May 24). Americans divided on priorities for criminal justice system. https://news.gallup.com/poll/196394/americans-divided-priorities-criminal-justice-system.aspxLinks to an external site. McCarthy, J. (2019, May 24). Americans' views shift on toughness of justice system. https://news.gallup.com/poll/196568/americans-views-shift-toughness-justice-system.aspxLinks to an external site. Brenan, M. (2021, November 20). Fewer Americans call for tougher criminal justice system. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/324164/fewer-americans-call-tougher-criminal-justice-system.aspxLinks to an external site. Jones, J. M., & Lloyd, C. (2021, November 20). Black Americans' reports of mistreatment steady or higher. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/352580/black-americans-reports-mistreatment-steady-higher.aspxLinks to an external site.
