Primary Data Are Most Often Collected from a Sample (A

question 144

Essay

Primary data are most often collected from a sample (a subset of a larger population). An important question researchers must ask is, "Must the sample be representative of the population?" The answer to this question leads the researcher to either of two possible types of samples. Name and describe each of the two sampling procedures. Give a specific example of a sample type for each procedure.

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Definitions:

Pineal Gland

A small endocrine gland in the brain that produces the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleep patterns.

Vasopressin

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland, playing a key role in regulating water balance and blood pressure.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, a hormone responsible for the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland.

TSH

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, a pituitary gland secreted hormone that regulates the production of hormones by the thyroid gland.