Last semester I was surprised to find that many students in an upper division research methods class - that has as a prerequisite an introductory statistics class - could not accurately describe or define a random sample. I found some similar confusion among graduate students around the same time, and again more recently. When asked to define random, the most common responses from students emphasized large samples. I concluded that random sampling was inaccurately viewed as a sample that approaches the population in numbers, rather than a sample that is representative of the population. It is easy and probably not entirely accurate to assume this confusion reflects something lacking in prior instruction. However, I asked a few exploratory questions about probability in a class - and that seemed to be another somewhat muddy concept for a few students. (I find this a little ironic in a state that has racetracks, casinos, and began a state lottery in the 70s.) My intro to stats books all had a chapter about probability/odds and random selection. I have not taught an introductory/basic statistics course for about six years, so maybe these (seemingly foundational) concepts are no longer discussed in detail.
Whether or not the content of texts has changed, I can identify two potential contributing factors to this confusion: 1)The tremendous interest in online surveys. In my institution, these are typically sent to the population (everyone in a group), so response rate and numbers are emphasized. Clearly it is possible to randomly select online participants but I suspect this is seldom done because it presents yet more challenge in securing an ample sample. This focus on number, rather than variability of participants, might have led to a subtle shift in how sampling is taught. Students I have encountered all seem to be aware of use of incentives to encourage participation; this supports my theory that increasingly common reliance on online surveys means that response rate is emphasized in course content over randomness. 2)Popular use of the word random. I think this peaked a few years ago but I still hear it now and then. it typically means eclectic, irreverent, varied, unexpected, and sometimes means unpredictable, which is probably the closest to an accurate use of the word. But it can also refer to silliness or nonsense. Unfortunately, when used in that sort of but not really self-critical sense: "My taste in music is just so random..." it comes of as a little apologetic, whereas "My taste in music is eclectic" is more something to be proud of. Any of these idiomatic/casual uses, however may obscure the real meaning. Clearly these are just my initial theories. I am going to keep investigating possible sources that contribute to what looks like a growing trend in not knowing what random really means, although my aim is to use a purposive, rather than random sample. Photo - Ohio Lottery Classic Lotto tickets. Taken by me and minimally edited (filter, crop) with Photos for Mac.
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AuthorI am Sheryl L. Chatfield, Ph.D, C.T.R.S. I am a member of the faculty in the College of Public Health at Kent State University. I also Co-coordinate the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research and I am a member of the Design Innovation Team at Kent State. Archives
February 2024
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