PSY516

Statistics in Psychology

GDB Details & Solutions

GDB Information

Total Marks:

5

Start Date:

December 30, 2024 336 Days Passed

End Date:

December 31, 2024 Expired

Status:

Closed

GDB Question

Discussion Question:


"Do you agree that increasing the sample size is always the best approach to obtaining reliable and significant statistical results? Provide logical reasoning and examples to support your answer."

GDB Solutions

Approved: 4 Pending: 0
Upload Your Solution
Solution 1
Type: Inline Solution Uploaded: December 30, 2024 VuPark Approved
GDB Answer:

While increasing the sample size can improve the reliability of statistical results, I don’t believe it is always the best approach for obtaining reliable and significant results. Increasing sample size reduces sampling error and increases the power of a test, which can help detect significant differences. However, simply increasing the sample size without considering other factors like the quality of the data or the appropriateness of the statistical method can lead to misleading conclusions.

For instance, if the sample data is biased or not representative of the population, no amount of sample size will correct these flaws. Additionally, if the study design is not sound, increasing the sample size might only amplify these errors.

A real-life example would be a survey conducted to study employee satisfaction in a company. If the sample includes only employees from one department, no matter how large the sample size, the results would not be generalizable to the entire company.

Therefore, while increasing the sample size can be beneficial, it is not the sole solution. Proper study design, sampling methods, and ensuring data quality are also critical to obtaining reliable and valid results.

Solution 2
Type: Inline Solution Uploaded: December 30, 2024 VuPark Approved
GDB Answer:

I do not agree that increasing the sample size is always the best approach to obtaining reliable and significant results. While a larger sample size generally increases the accuracy and power of statistical tests, it does not automatically guarantee that the results will be meaningful or valid.

A major issue is the quality of the data. If the data is not properly collected, or if there are biases in how the sample is selected, increasing the sample size will not improve the reliability of the results. For example, if a survey is conducted on a biased sample, increasing the number of responses will still not give an accurate representation of the population.

Moreover, in certain cases, increasing the sample size can lead to statistical significance without practical significance, which might not provide real-world value. For instance, in a study with a large sample size, even a small difference between groups can become statistically significant, though it may not be meaningful in practice.

Therefore, a combination of accurate data collection, appropriate study design, and appropriate statistical methods should be prioritized over just increasing the sample size.

Solution 3
Type: Inline Solution Uploaded: December 30, 2024 VuPark Approved
GDB Answer:

While increasing sample size can enhance the reliability of statistical results by reducing variability and improving statistical power, it is not always the best or only solution for obtaining reliable and significant results. The primary concern should be the quality of the data and how well it represents the population.

For example, in clinical trials, even with large sample sizes, if the sample is not representative of the broader population (e.g., only including healthy young adults), the results might not be generalizable to older adults or people with underlying health conditions.

In addition, a larger sample size might lead to statistical significance, but not necessarily practical significance. For instance, in an education study, a very large sample size might find a tiny difference in test scores between two groups that, while statistically significant, has little real-world impact.

Therefore, while increasing sample size can help, it should not be the only strategy. The study design, selection of participants, and the nature of the data collected play a much more critical role in ensuring reliable and meaningful results.

Solution 4
Type: Inline Solution Uploaded: December 30, 2024 VuPark Approved
GDB Answer:

I believe that increasing the sample size is not always the best or most effective approach to obtaining reliable and significant statistical results. While a larger sample size can reduce sampling error and improve the power of a statistical test, it doesn’t necessarily solve underlying issues like biases in data collection or inappropriate study designs.

For example, if a study is based on flawed or skewed data, increasing the sample size will only reinforce these issues, not resolve them. In surveys, if the sample includes people from one geographic region but the analysis assumes a national perspective, the results won’t be accurate, regardless of the sample size.

Additionally, increasing the sample size without considering the context of the research question can result in statistically significant results that aren’t meaningful. For example, a small effect size might become statistically significant with a large sample, but it might not have any real-world importance.

Thus, while increasing sample size has its benefits, a comprehensive approach that includes careful data collection, appropriate study design, and proper statistical methods is crucial for obtaining reliable and significant results.