Position Paper: Sample Size The Walden University Dissertation Rubric for Chapter 3 includes the following criteria as line item 7: "There is a justification for the number of participants, which is balanced with depth of inquiry---the fewer the participants the deeper the inquiry per individual." Some researchers argue that one can generate meaningful research data only if one has a large sample size. Moreover, a large sample size is required in order to generalize the findings to show the potential for effecting social change. On the other hand, some researchers believe that a small number of participants can generate data that are just as meaningful because the researcher can then plumb the data to greater depths. To prepare for this Application: ·  Read the course text selections on sampling and sample size. ·  Consider the following: Is it better to have a large sample size and not get as in-depth with participants than it is to have a small sample size and go into more depth with participants? ·  Which situation will derive more meaningful data? What are the pros and cons of each choice? Which situation is supported by the literature? ·  Select a position on what sample size is necessary to generate meaningful qualitative data. How would you defend your position? ·  What factors contribute to the sample size you would recommend for your Qualitative Research Plan (Final Project)? What support from the literature would you use to defend your choice? The assignment: ·  Craft a 1- to 2-page position paper in which you defend a position on what sample size is necessary to generate meaningful qualitative data. ·  Conclude your position paper with a proposed sample size and strategy for your Qualitative Research Plan (Final Project). Submit your Application Required Resources ·  Course Text: Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach ·  o  Chapter 5, "Methods: What Will You Actually Do?" This chapter will guide you in conducting your research. It provides information about structured and unstructured approaches, negotiating research designs, site and participant selection, making decisions about data collection and analysis, and analyzing qualitative data. ·  Course Text: Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook o  Chapter 2, "Research Design and Management," pp. 30 – 37 This excerpt from Chapter 2 describes the importance and process of sampling. ·  Course Text: Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ·  o  Chapter 5, "Designing Qualitative Studies," pp. 264-272, pp. 311-315  Read the sections "Purposeful Sampling" and "Sample Size" from Chapter 5. These excerpts provide sampling strategies and techniques for qualitative research. Research Toolkit ·  Handouts ·  o  Walden Dissertation Rubric Available from http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/ The Dissertation Rubric is a Word document linked in the section for PhD Dissertation Process and Documents. o  Walden Qualitative DissertationsThis document directs you to dissertations in the Walden Library that use a variety of qualitative approaches and disciplines. Walden University Qualitative Dissertations The following Walden University dissertations represent a variety of qualitative approaches and disciplines. Dissertation award winners are noted. All dissertations can be found in the Walden Library. Case Study Example (Walden Dissertation Award Winner) Apori-Nkansah, L. (2008). Transitional justice in postconflict contexts: The case of Sierra Leone’s dual accountability mechanism (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from the Walden University dissertation database. (Publication Number: AAT 3291475). Narrative Example (Walden Dissertation Award Winner) Amaladas, S. M. (2004). A narrative inquiry into the experience of individuals in the midst of organizational change: A shift from systems to stories (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from the Walden University dissertation database. (Publication Number: AAT 3138845) Grounded Theory Example McGregor Petgrave, D. M. (2006). Professional development strategies for teaching urban biology teachers to use concept maps effectively (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from the Walden University dissertation database. (Publication Number: AAT 3229903) Phenomenology Example Alcock, M. M. (2009). Phenomenological study of effects of student mobility on middle- and high-socioeconomic high school students (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from the Walden University dissertation database. (Publication Number: AAT 3366731) Life History Example (A sub-section of Narrative) Stoutmorrill, B. K. (2009). Exploring the intrinsic role of agency and the extrinsic role of social expectations for adults who learn to read: A life history (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from the Walden University dissertation database. (Publication Number: AAT 3342441)

Choose one of the following social problems for this writing activity. Narrow your topic so that your essay focuses on some aspect of the problem. Plan the main points you would address in an essay on this aspect of the problem.Teenage suicideViolence in the schoolsPoverty among the elderlyPet overpopulationObesityInternet/Cell phone addictionStep 2 Write an introductory paragraph.In a minimum of eight sentences, write an introduction for an essay on the topic you selected in Step 1 that addresses the following:Your introduction should not only make an argument for the rest of your paper to support, but it should also make the audience want to read the rest of your paper so get creative with your word choice, sentence structure, and techniquesMake sure you establish your topic enough so that people can understand the topic itself, and include a thesis statement.Your introduction paragraph should not exceed one page, but it shouldn't be short, either. Aim for at least eight sentences.Step 3 Draft the body paragraphs and conclusion of the essay.Write at least three body paragraphs in support of the thesis statement in your introductory paragraph. You do not need to focus as much on polishing the rest of your essay, as you did with the introduction, but be sure to include effective evidence in support of your thesis.

There are many stimuli in your environment of which you are not aware. You use attention to filter out unimportant stimuli and focus on relevant stimuli. However, there are circumstances under which you cannot perceive stimuli, regardless of how hard you "pay attention." One situation is when visual stimuli are presented in quick succession. If the interval between the two stimuli is short enough, you do not perceive the second stimulus. This lapse in attention is known as attentional blink. In this assignment, you will experience the attentional blink for yourself and will also read about practical implications of the phenomenon.Access the CogLab demonstrationAttentional Blink. Follow the instructions to complete the demonstration.Read the following article:Livesey, E. J., Harris, I. M., & Harris, J. A. (2009). Attentional changes during implicit learning: Signal validity protects a target stimulus from the attentional blink. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35(2), 408-408-422. doi:10.1037/a0014525 (ProQuest Document ID: 614494049)Using the experience from the CogLab demonstration and information from the article, write a paper that addresses the following:Explain how the attentional blink relates to attention. Analyze how the variation in time influences the probability of seeing the second target letter. Explain the circumstances under which the attentional blink can be eliminated.In the CogLab demonstration, letters were used as targets. The target used can influence the duration of one’s attentional blink and whether the attentional blink even occurs. Complete the following tasks:Propose at least two other targets that could be used to induce the attentional blink.Predict the effect each of your suggested targets would have on the duration of one’s attentional blink as compared to the CogLab activity you completed.Explain the reasoning behind your predictions.Present and discuss at least three occupations in which workers’ performance could be adversely affected by attentional blink. Identify and explain the types of problems or mistakes that might occur in such occupations due to the attentional blink.Several years ago, some vehicle models came with a heads-up display (HUD). Instead of looking down at a panel on the dashboard, speed, distance traveled, fuel level, and time appeared to be displayed over the hood of the car. Discuss this design in terms of divided attention and attentional blink. Do you think the design was a good idea?Write a 4-page paper in Word format