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.
Overview of the Study:
The selected research article is titled “The Effects of Exercise on Depression: An Exploration of Biological, Psychological, and Social Mediators” by Blumenthal et al. The study investigates the effects of exercise on individuals with depression, specifically focusing on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the positive outcomes. The researchers aim to elucidate the biological, psychological, and social mediators involved in the exercise-depression relationship.
Sampling Strategy:
The study employed a non-probability sampling strategy, specifically purposive or judgmental sampling. The researchers selected a sample of 202 adults aged 40 to 70 years, who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and were not currently engaging in regular exercise. This sample was recruited from both clinical and community settings.
Evaluation of Sampling Method:
The sampling method used in this study can be evaluated based on its effectiveness, strengths, and limitations. While the purposive sampling strategy has its advantages, it also presents potential shortcomings. Overall, the sampling method selected in this study can be considered reasonably effective, given the research objectives and constraints.
One strength of using purposive sampling is that it allows researchers to target a specific population that is relevant to the research questions. In this case, the researchers aimed to study individuals with MDD who were not engaged in regular exercise, as these individuals are likely to benefit from exercise interventions for their depression. By selecting participants with these specific characteristics, the researchers ensure that the sample is representative of the intended population, increasing the internal validity of the study.
Moreover, this sampling strategy facilitates the recruitment of participants who are more likely to comply with the study protocols and interventions. Participants with MDD may experience various challenges, such as lethargy and lack of motivation, which could hinder their adherence to an exercise program. Therefore, purposely selecting individuals who are not regularly exercising may improve compliance rates and enhance the rigor of the study.
However, one limitation of purposive sampling is the potential for selection bias. Since participants are specifically chosen based on predetermined criteria, there is a risk of overrepresenting certain characteristics and excluding others. In this study, the sample consisted of adults aged 40 to 70 years with MDD, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to younger or older individuals with depression.
Additionally, using purposive sampling may introduce researcher subjectivity and potential lack of transparency in the selection process. The researchers should provide a clear rationale for their decisions and explicitly state the criteria they used to select participants. This will help ensure transparency and allow other researchers to evaluate the suitability of the sample for their own studies.
In conclusion, the study by Blumenthal et al. on the effects of exercise on depression employed a purposive sampling strategy. While this sampling method has its strengths, such as targeting the intended population and facilitating compliance, it also presents limitations, including selection bias and potential lack of transparency. Despite these limitations, the selected sampling strategy effectively aligns with the research objectives and provides a suitable sample for investigating the exercise-depression relationship in adults with MDD.