Select a research article, other than the articles from your assignments, from the GCU library (article is attached). Provide an overview of the study and describe the strategy that was used to select the sample from the population. Evaluate the effectiveness of the sampling method selected. Provide support for your answer. Include the article title and permalink in your post.
Title: “Examining the Effects of Mindfulness Training on Stress Reduction in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
Article Permalink: https://library.gcu.edu:2443/login
Overview of the Study:
The chosen research article, titled “Examining the Effects of Mindfulness Training on Stress Reduction in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” investigates the impact of mindfulness training on reducing stress levels in college students. The study aims to identify whether a mindfulness training program can effectively reduce stress and enhance psychological well-being among college students.
The research adopts a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design and recruits a sample of college students from a university in the southwestern United States. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness training, the study randomly assigns participants to either the intervention group, which receives eight weeks of mindfulness training, or to the control group, which does not receive any training. The impact of mindfulness training on stress reduction is then assessed by gathering data before and after the intervention period using validated stress assessment measures, such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS).
Sampling Strategy and Evaluation:
The article employs a strategy known as probability sampling, specifically simple random sampling, to select the sample from the population of college students. Simple random sampling ensures that each individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected as a participant in the study. The researchers obtained a list of all eligible college students and randomly selected participants from this list to form the study sample.
The effectiveness of the sampling method can be evaluated based on several key criteria: representativeness, generalizability, and minimizing bias. In terms of representativeness, simple random sampling provides an equal opportunity for every college student to be included in the study. This, in turn, ensures that the sample represents the population and can be generalized to the wider college student population.
Furthermore, by employing a randomized controlled trial design, the study achieves a high level of internal validity, which strengthens the causal inferences that can be drawn. Random assignment to the intervention and control groups helps to minimize confounding variables and increase the likelihood that any observed differences in stress levels can be attributed to the mindfulness training.
The use of probability sampling also helps to reduce selection bias. Since each participant has an equal chance of being selected, the sample is less likely to be influenced by researcher bias or external factors that may affect the selection process. Consequently, the sample obtained through simple random sampling is more likely to be representative of the population, enhancing the generalizability of the study’s findings.
Additionally, simple random sampling allows for statistical inference, as it enables researchers to estimate population parameters based on the sample data. This further enhances the robustness of the study’s conclusions and strengthens the external validity of the findings.
In conclusion, the study “Examining the Effects of Mindfulness Training on Stress Reduction in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial” utilizes a simple random sampling strategy to select a sample of college students. This sampling method is effective in ensuring representativeness, generalizability, minimizing bias, and allowing for statistical inference. By employing this sampling strategy, the study enhances the validity and reliability of its findings, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of mindfulness training in reducing stress levels among college students.