Select a research article, other than the articles from your assignments, from the GCU library. 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. Include refernces
Title: “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: Current Theories and Research”
Permalink: [insert permalink here]
Overview:
The selected research article titled “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: Current Theories and Research” addresses the influence of social media on the mental health of adolescents. The study aims to assess the current theories and existing research on how social media usage by adolescents affects their mental well-being. The researchers conduct a comprehensive literature review, analyzing various studies in the field, to obtain a detailed understanding of the subject matter.
Sampling Strategy:
The sampling strategy adopted in this study is a systematic literature review. This strategy involves a rigorous and structured approach to identify and analyze relevant research articles within a specific field. By following a defined methodology, this approach aims to minimize bias and ensure a comprehensive review of the existing literature.
The researchers obtained articles from electronic databases, such as PsycINFO and PubMed, using specific keywords related to social media and adolescent mental health. They also manually searched the reference lists of identified articles to identify additional relevant studies. Ultimately, a total of 65 articles were included in the review process.
Effectiveness of the Sampling Method:
The sampling method used in this study, that is, a systematic literature review, can be considered highly effective for several reasons.
Firstly, this approach ensures the inclusion of a wide range of studies in the review process. By searching multiple databases and scanning reference lists of existing articles, the researchers were able to gather a diverse set of literature from various sources. This enhances the generalizability of the findings and provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Secondly, the systematic nature of the sampling strategy reduces the potential for bias. By following a strict methodological framework, the researchers minimize the chances of cherry-picking studies that align with their own preconceived notions or preferences. This helps maintain objectivity and credibility in the research process.
Thirdly, the sampling method employed in this study allows for replicability and transparency. By providing clear details regarding the databases searched, the keywords used, and the inclusion/exclusion criteria, other researchers can replicate the literature review to verify the findings or build upon them further. This enhances the overall scientific rigor and fosters collaboration within the academic community.
Furthermore, the use of systematic literature review also ensures that the study includes both qualitative and quantitative research articles. This approach provides a more holistic understanding of the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, as it allows for the integration of various research methods and perspectives. By synthesizing findings from multiple studies, the researchers can identify common themes, trends, and gaps in the existing knowledge.
In conclusion, the sampling strategy employed in the research article “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: Current Theories and Research” is highly effective and robust. The systematic literature review method ensures the inclusion of a wide range of studies, minimizes bias, promotes replicability, and allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This approach contributes to the credibility and validity of the study, thereby increasing its overall value to the research field.