Populations and samples: Often misused concepts in Social Science researches

Main Article Content

Saman Asawapoom

Abstract

Research populations and samples are basic concepts that research learners and practitioners must know and apply them correctly. Research report investigations revealed that understanding and application of the two concepts were incorrect in many cases. Consequently, serious mistakes are the applications of inferential statistics.  With misunderstanding on research populations and samples, it leads to misuse inferential statistics in hypothesis testing as well. Based on the state and problems, the writer reckons the importance of revision and presenting these concepts in all dimensions, from the problem background, understanding research population, research samples, referential statistical concepts, and finally, the conclusion and implication to research conducting. The writer hopes that this article would clarify both the concepts and their applications.

Article Details

Section
Articles