Action Items

1. Answer the following questions in your discussion post:
   1. Now that you have had a chance to evaluate the peer review comments on the Scientific Method Parts 1-3, post your final research question, hypothesis, poll question(s), and sampling plan.
   2. Did you make any changes? Why or why not?
   3. How do you distinguish between qualitative data and quantitative data? Characterize the type of data you plan to collect. Is it qualitative, quantitative, or a mix of both.

Scientific Method 1-3

Scientific Method 1

The scientific method is crucial to the acquisition of scientific knowledge as it provides a structured and systematic approach to conducting research. It include acquiring data or performing experiments, developing a testable hypothesis, evaluating the findings, interpreting the evidence, and reaching conclusions. This approach guarantees that research is carried out in a thorough, impartial, and repeatable way, producing accurate and legitimate results.

Characteristics of a good hypothesis include being testable, specific, falsifiable, and relevant to the research question at hand. A solid hypothesis should be founded on current knowledge, give a clear direction for the investigation, and express the link between the variables in an understandable manner.

I am interested in learning more about the impact of social media on mental health. This subject is current and important as social media usage is on the rise and its consequences on mental health are causing society to become more and more concerned. I want to learn more about this subject in order to improve my comprehension of the possible advantages and disadvantages of using social media.

Hypothesis: Increased use of social media is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in young adults.

Scientific Method 2

2A. Definition of an Opinion Poll:

• An opinion poll serves as a methodological approach to collect and analyze people's opinions, preferences, or attitudes on a particular subject. It involves systematically gathering data from a selected sample within a larger population. For instance, imagine conducting an opinion poll about environmental awareness. Participants might be asked questions about their views on climate change, recycling habits, or support for environmental policies. The collective responses from the sample provide insights into the broader population's sentiments on environmental issues.

2B. Characteristics of Good Poll Questions:

• Clarity:Questions should be unambiguous and straightforward to ensure respondents understand the intended meaning.
• Unbiased Language:The language used in questions should be neutral and avoid favoring any particular response.
• Single Focus:Each question should address a specific aspect to prevent confusion and obtain precise responses.
• Neutrality:Questions should be free from inherent biases, ensuring respondents can express their views without external influence.
• Balanced Response Options:Response choices should encompass a range of perspectives, providing respondents with options that best represent their views.

Common Problems with Poll Questions:

• Double-Barreled Questions:Avoid combining multiple queries in one question to maintain clarity and accurate responses.
• Ambiguity:Questions should be clear, and terms should not be open to interpretation, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
• Negative Wording:Negative phrasing may lead to confusion; questions should be positively framed whenever possible.
• Assuming Knowledge:Questions should not assume participants possess specific information, ensuring inclusivity and accuracy.

2C. Poll Questions for the Social Media and Mental Health Study:

1. Social Media Usage Frequency:"On a scale from 1 to 5, how frequently do you use social media platforms? (1 - Rarely, 5 - Very Frequently)"
2. Experience of Mental Health Issues:"Have you ever experienced feelings of anxiety or depression related to your social media usage? (Yes/No)"
3. Distressing Content Encounters:"How often do you encounter content on social media that you find distressing? (Rarely, Occasionally, Frequently)"
4. Perceived Impact:"Do you believe that social media has a positive impact on your mental well-being? (Agree/Disagree/Neutral)"

2D. Demographic Information:Gathering demographic details such as age, gender, educational background, employment status, and geographic location ensures a representative sample. This information aids in analyzing whether the impact of social media on mental health varies across different demographic groups, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the study's outcomes. For instance, age-related differences or variations based on geographical location can be crucial factors in interpreting the findings.

Scientific Method 3

1. Probability Sampling Methods vs. Non-Probability Sampling Methods:

Commonalities:

Sampling Goal:

• Probability Sampling:Both aim to select a subset of individuals from a larger population for study or analysis.
• Non-Probability Sampling:Share the common goal of selecting a representative sample but use different techniques.

Random Selection:

• Probability Sampling:Involves random selection, where each element in the population has an equal chance of being included.
• Non-Probability Sampling:Generally lacks random selection, and the inclusion of elements relies on specific criteria.

Differences:

Randomization:

• Probability Sampling:Utilizes randomization to ensure every element has a known chance of being selected.
• Non-Probability Sampling:Often relies on subjective judgment or specific criteria, leading to potential biases.

Representativeness:

• Probability Sampling:Tends to produce more representative samples, enhancing generalizability to the larger population.
• Non-Probability Sampling:May result in less representative samples, limiting the ability to generalize findings.

Statistical Inference:

• Probability Sampling:Allows for statistical inference, enabling researchers to estimate population parameters and calculate margins of error.
• Non-Probability Sampling:Statistical inference is challenging, as the sample selection process lacks randomness.

2. Biases in Polling Information:

Selection Bias:

• Description:Occurs when the sample is not representative of the population.
• Impact:Findings may not generalize accurately to the broader population.
• Mitigation:Use probability sampling methods and ensure diverse representation.

Response Bias:

• Description:Arises when respondents provide inaccurate or misleading information.
• Impact:Poll results may be skewed due to respondents' reluctance, social desirability, or misunderstanding.
• Mitigation:Employ unbiased language, ensure confidentiality, and use a variety of questioning techniques.

3. Sampling Plan for the Social Media and Mental Health Study:

Target Population:

• Individuals aged 18-45 who actively use social media platforms.

Type of Sample:

• Stratified Random Sampling based on age groups (18-25, 26-35, 36-45) to ensure representation across different age brackets.

Expected Sample Size:

• 500 participants (approximately 166 from each age group) to provide a robust dataset.

Deployment Method:

• Online survey distributed through social media platforms to reach the target demographic effectively.

Rationale:

• Stratified Sampling:Captures potential variations in social media usage and mental health impact across different age groups.
• Online Survey:Efficient for reaching a tech-savvy demographic; however, potential bias should be considered and addressed in data analysis.

4. Potential Pitfalls and Overcoming Challenges:

Sampling Bias:

• Pitfall:Inadequate representation of certain demographics due to online survey distribution.
• Mitigation:Implement targeted outreach strategies to ensure inclusivity and adjust sample weights during analysis if necessary.

Response Bias:

• Pitfall:Social desirability bias leading to inaccurate responses on mental health experiences.
• Mitigation:Use anonymous surveys, employ neutral language, and include validation questions to identify inconsistent responses.