Laura D. Young · Research Methods / Public Teaching Portfolio

Module 08 · Sampling Plan and Generalization Boundary

10 points · Approximately 45–65 minutes

Make the population and selection pathway explicit before claiming findings will generalize.

Portfolio reconstruction. This is an illustrative public version based on Fall 2026 assignment designs developed in previous course planning, not an exact exported LMS handout. No student data or submissions are included.

Assignment sequence

  1. Define the target population

    Specify person or case type, place, and period. Do not describe the population only as “everyone.”

  2. Identify a sampling frame

    Name the accessible source from which cases or respondents will be drawn, and where important groups may be missed.

  3. Choose a sampling method

    Explain probability or nonprobability selection and why it is feasible for this project.

  4. Draw the selection flow

    Show target population → frame → invite/approach → eligible → respond/usable sample as a simple diagram.

  5. Assess risk

    Create a short table distinguishing coverage, selection, nonresponse, and measurement concerns with mitigation plans.

  6. Write the exact boundary

    Finish one sentence: “These findings can reasonably speak to ___ but not ___, because ___.”

How the work is assessed

Strong plans match claims to how cases were obtained and candidly identify who is absent from the evidence.

Students should document outside sources and disclose any permitted AI assistance while retaining responsibility for every inference and submitted statement.