This document provides an overview of a research proposal on the effectiveness of LGBT couple counseling in enhancing the well-being of gay people in the United States. It begins with an introduction discussing challenges still faced by the LGBT community despite legal protections. The research objectives and questions focus on how couple counseling can enhance self-confidence, strengthen relationships, and promote acceptance. A literature review covers definitions, challenges faced by the LGBT community, and benefits of couple counseling. The proposed study would use couple counseling as the independent variable and measures of well-being as the dependent variables. Limitations include time, budget, and potential unwillingness of some LGBT individuals to participate due to fears of discrimination.

1. Socw 6310 week 7 | SOCW 6301 – Social Work Practice Research I |
Walden University
SamplingIt is impossible to study the entirety of any particular population. However,
researchers can collect data for their studies from a sample of a particular population. There
are two methods of sampling available for researchers: probability sampling and
nonprobability sampling. This week, you examine the terminology used for the sampling
aspect of research as well as best practices for its implementation. Then you critique a
research study’s use of sampling in order to further understand the relationship between
sampling, causality, and generalizability.Learning ObjectivesStudents will:Create two
sampling structuresEvaluate strengths and limitations of two sampling methodsAnalyze
samples in a case studyAnalyze generalizability in a case studyEvaluate method and
methodology used in a research studyPhoto Credit: [Hero Images]/[Hero Images]/Getty
ImagesLearning ResourcesNote: To access this week’s required library resources, please
click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your
Syllabus.Required ReadingsYegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research
methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.Chapter 9, “Sampling Issues
and Options” (pp. 202-222)Optional ResourcesPlummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M.
(Eds.). (2014).Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate
International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].Social Work Research:
Program EvaluationDiscussion 1: Sampling StructuresProbability and nonprobability are
the two general categories of sampling. Probability sampling uses random selection,
whereas nonprobability sampling does not. For example, if you wanted to study the effects
of divorce on the psychological development of adolescents, you could gather a population
of a certain number of adolescents whose parents were divorced. Then, out of that
population, you could randomly select 25 of those people. If you wanted to use
nonprobability sampling, you would choose specific people who had met predetermined
criteria. For this Discussion, consider how samples would be chosen for both probability
and nonprobability sampling structures.By Day 3Post your explanation of the
following:Using your research problem and the refined question you developed in Week 4,
develop two sampling structures: probability and nonprobability.Explain who would be
included in each sample and how each sample would be selected.Be specific about the
sampling structures you chose, evaluating both strengths and limitations of each.Please use
the resources to support your answer.By Day 5Respond to a colleague’s post by suggesting

2. an alternative sampling structure for their research question as well as an alternate way of
selecting the sample. Please use the resources to support your answer.Discussion 2:
Generalizing Study ResultsGeneralizability is the extent to which research findings from
your sample population can be applicable to a larger population. There are many best
practices for ensuring generalizability. Two of those are making sure the sample is as much
like the population as possible and making sure that the sample size is large enough to
mitigate the chance of differences within the population. For this Discussion, read the case
study titled “Social Work Research: Program Evaluation” and consider how the particular
study results can be generalizable.By Day 5Post your explanation of who the sample is. Also
explain steps researchers took to ensure generalizability. Be sure to discuss how the study
results could possibly be generalizable. Please use the resources to support your answer.By
Day 7Respond to a colleague’s post by suggesting two alternative ways that the study
results could be generalizable. Please use the resources to support your
answer.Assignment: Research Design and SamplingUsing the empirical research article that
your instructor approved in the Week 5 assignment, ask yourself: “Is this a quantitative
research article or a qualitative research article?” Remember, in quantitative research, the
emphasis is on measuring social phenomenon because it is assumed that everything can be
observed, measured, and quantified. On the other hand, in qualitative research, it is
assumed that social phenomenon cannot be easily reduced and broken down into concepts
that can be measured and quantified. Instead, there may be different meanings to
phenomenon and experiences. Often in qualitative research, researchers use interviews,
focus groups and observations to gather data and then report their findings using words
and quotations.Consider how these different methods affect the sampling design and
recruitment strategy, and ask yourself how the recruitment of research participants will
affect the findings.For this Assignment, submit a 3-4 page paper. Complete the
following:Read your selected empirical research article, and identify whether the study is a
quantitative or qualitative study. Justify the reasons why you believe it is a quantitative or
qualitative study. (Your instructor will indicate to you if you are correct in identifying the
research design. This will point you to whether you will use the “Quantitative Article and
Review Critique” or the “Qualitative Article and Review Critique” guidelines for the final
assignment in week 10.)Using the empirical research article, focus on the sampling method
in the study and begin to evaluate the sampling method by answering the
following:Describe the sampling methods in your own words (paraphrase, do not quote
from the article).Describe the generalizability or the transferability of the research finding
based on the sampling method.Discuss the limitations the article identified with the sample
and how those limitations affect the reliability or credibility.Explain one recommendation
you would make to improve the sampling plan of the study that would address these
limitations in future research. The Effectiveness of LGBT Couple Counseling in Enhancing
the Wellbeing of Gay People in the United States.Introduction In America, gay rights have
come a long way since its legalization in 2015. With gay rights making a bid advance in the
United States, more people of similar gender have come out to eliminate the stereotype that
their relationships are always superficial. Instead, they present their relationships to be
identical to those of the heterosexual people with the ability to remain committed and

3. loving (Gonsiorek, 2014). Again, they are faced with similar challenges which include
household chores, financial conflicts, family, as well as parenting. Despite the Supreme
Court ruling that allowed equality and protection for the LGBT people in the United States,
gay people continue to face discrimination in terms of housing, imprisonment, jobs and
even parenting. According to the new Gallup estimate, American adults identified as either
lesbians, gay, bisexual or transgender totaling to 4.5 % of the entire population. This is
approximately 11 million citizens. With the legalization, the number continues to rise
wherein 2016 they comprised 4.1% and 3.6% in 2012. Despite the legalization and
acceptance of gay people in the United States, they continue to suffer and live under fear of
exploitation and discrimination on issues such as crimes and segregation (Curry, 2017). In
America, 5% of the total hate crime committed is as a result of sexual orientation while 2%
are due to individual gender identity. The society has not yet come to terms with accepting
them as usual and part of the population thus making them quite a vulnerable group. People
identifying as lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and asexual considers
social stigma as the primary source of stress and anxiety in their lives. Thus, they tend to
seek therapy from qualified therapists who can help them overcome the challenges
(Blondeel et al., 2018). In that case, the LGBT people tend to be afraid and feel threatened
for the expected reaction from the society especially in matters concerning their
relationships and marriage. The common challenges among gay couples have led to the rise
in the use of LGBT couple counseling before the wedding.Research ObjectivesGeneral
ObjectiveThe general objective of the study will be to establish the effectiveness of LGBT
couples counseling in enhancing the wellbeing of gay people in the United States. Specific
ObjectiveThe specific objectives of the project will entail:1. To establish how self-confidence
from couple counseling enhances the well-being of gay people in the United States.2. To
determine the effects of couple counseling for improving the relationship between gay
couples in the United States.3. To establish how couple counseling promotes acceptance
thus enhancing the wellbeing of gay people in the United States. Research Questions1. How
does self-acceptance gained through couple counseling enhances the wellbeing of gay
people in the United States?2. What are the effects of couple counseling on strengthening
the relationship between gay people in the United States?3. How does LGBT couple
counseling promote acceptance among gay people in the United States?The significance of
the StudyThe study is considered important because it will give insight into the various
challenges that the LGBT people in America face. Again, it will elaborate on the role of the
social workers in ensuring equality and protection of the gay community. Besides, the
findings of the research can be used to establish policies meant to enhance inclusion in
America as well as provide the basis for conducting further studies on the issues affecting
the LGBT people at large. Limitations of the StudyAmong the challenges that are likely to be
faced during the study include limited time and budget for the research. The review will be
extensive thus requiring enough time and money to cater to the entire research process.
Additionally, LGBT people may not be willing to take part in the study as they fear
discrimination and victimization. As a result, it might be difficult to access relevant and
reliable information for the research.Literature ReviewConcept DefinitionLGBTThe term
LGBT is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. It is a word used to

4. describe the people of other sexual orientation and gender identity other than the
heterosexual. A lesbian refers to a woman who is sexually and emotionally attracted to
fellow women. Gay is the male with sexual attraction towards fellow men. However, in some
instances, the word gay is used to refer to lesbians, gay, and bisexuals all together. For
Bisexuals, they are attracted to people of both sexes while transgender refers to people
whose inner identity contradicts with the role associated with the portrayed
gender.Challenges Faced by LGBT PeopleBesides the rapidly growing cultural acceptance of
diverse sexual and romantic orientation together with gender identification, LGBT people
are also faced with oppression, discrimination, and marginalization. Prolonged cases of bias
can result in stigma, depression, and stress cases. Research shows that LGBT people have a
high chance of becoming suicidal and self-harm especially when they experience
discrimination based on their sexual and gender identity (Graham et al., 2011). Besides,
students associated with the grouping are said to have a high rate of experiencing bullying,
social rejection, as well as a sexual assault which can lead to chronic stress among the
victims (Higa et al., 2014). Lytle et al. (2014) argues that in more than 37 states, LGBT
people are discriminated against obtaining health insurance. The prevalence of
discrimination has adverse effects on gay people. Often, they feel pressured to fit in the
conventional ideas of the community of either being a male or a female (Curry, 2017). Based
on their difference from the normal genders, they hide and stay segregated from the rest of
the people to avoid being ridiculed, intimidated, and at times even sexually abused. The
increased pressure can lead to the development of mental instability such as stress and
depression that they need the guidance and advice of the social worker to manage and
overcome. Besides obtaining the support and help in dealing with the toxic and harmful
response from society, gay couples also seek to see counselors to understand their gender
roles and stage disparities.LGBT Couple Counseling Kelley (2015) states that like other
persons, LGBT people seek counseling for help while faced with many of the same
challenges that affect the heterosexual individuals such as anxiety, depression, grief, and
even couple therapy. They seek therapeutic assistance as a way of dealing with the stigma of
mental health issues and the LGBT orientation. In most cases, therapists address multiple
issues that the gay people need to take into consideration especially in the case where they
have chosen to become public. They give them directions and counsel on how to overcome
the current challenges in society as a result of their orientation. The counseling sessions
help to prepare the couple on dealing with the worst that the community can give ranging
from discrimination to being abused and victimized. 1. Self-ConfidenceDuring the
counseling sessions, therapists are in a position to explore the issues of the couple and
address the challenges effectively. This involves acting as the advocates for the marginalized
group and encouraging them on the importance of accepting themselves as they are.
Maintaining awareness increases the knowledge of the LGBT people both on their rights
and privileges as the law in the nation provides them. The counselor often advises them to
step out instead of confining themselves in the closets thus increasing their vulnerability.2.
Excellent RelationshipsEngaging in constant communication and sharing experience
between the gay people opens their minds and increase their interest in understanding one
another. Counseling promotes positivity and enthusiasm where they learn to approach

5. things and situations in life with optimism (Henry, 2013). This is not only for the social
relation but also for the couple relationship where they learn to understand and support
one another throughout the relationship.3. Social Acceptance Often, social workers engage
in creating awareness beyond the LGBT community. According to research, the people
around gay people are the primary source of adverse reactions that result in rejection and
developing suicidal ideas. Therefore, the counselor advises the couple on the best behaviors
to depict to ensure that they attract little rejection from society.GapFrom the review, most
of the studies conducted about the LGBT community are associated with the challenges that
they face despite the legalization and protection under the law. However, a few studies have
been undertaken about establishing the usefulness and effectiveness of the couple therapy
and counseling in dealing with the challenges in the community. Objectively, the research
will be conducted to determine how couple counseling improve the life of LGBT individuals
in the United States. As a result, it will provide the answers to the research questions that
relate to enhancing their confidence, deal with social rejection, as well as promote their
relationship. Variables The study will contain both the independent and dependent
variables. The independent refers to the variable that can stand on its own (couple
counseling) while the dependent needs and id influenced by the independent one
(wellbeing of the LGBT people).Independent Variables (Effective Couple Counseling)
Improved Well-being Social acceptance References Blondeel, K., de Vasconcelos,
S., García-Moreno, C., Stephenson, R., Temmerman, M., & Toskin, I. (2018). World Health
Assembly». Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 96, 29-41L.Curry, C. (2017). “9
Battles the LGBT Community in the US Is Still Fighting, Even in 2017. The Globl Citizen.
Accessed from https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/9-battles-the-lgbt-community-
in-the-us-is-still-fi/Gonsiorek, J. C. (2014). Introduction to the first issue of Psychology of
Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.Graham, R., Berkowitz, B., Blum, R., Bockting, W.,
Bradford, J., de Vries, B., & Makadon, H. (2011). The health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender people: Building a foundation for better understanding. Washington, DC:
Institute of Medicine.Henry, M. M. (2013). Coming out: Implications for self-esteem and
depression in gay and lesbian individuals (Doctoral dissertation, Humboldt State
University).Higa, D., Hoppe, M. J., Lindhorst, T., Mincer, S., Beadnell, B., Morrison, D. M. … &
Mountz, S. (2014). Negative and positive factors associated with the well-being of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Youth & Society, 46(5),
663-687.Kelley, F. A. (2015). The therapy relationship with lesbian and gay clients.
Psychotherapy, 52(1), 113.Lee, C., Oliffe, J. L., Kelly, M. T., & Ferlatte, O. (2017). Depression
and suicidality in gay men: Implications for health care providers. American journal of
men’s health, 11(4), 910-919.Lytle, M. C., Vaughan, M. D., Rodriguez, E. M., & Shmerler, D. L.
(2014). Working with LGBT individuals: Incorporating positive psychology into training and
practice. Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversity, 1(4), 335. The research
questionIntroduction to Research ProposalNameInstitution AffiliationThe Effectiveness of
LGBT Couple Counseling in Enhancing the Wellbeing Gay People in the United
States.Introduction In America, the gay right has come a long way till its legalization in
2015. With gay rights making a bid advance in the United States, more people of similar
gender have come out to eliminate the stereotype that their relationships are always

6. superficial and belief. Instead, they present their relationships to be identical to those of the
heterosexual people with the ability to remain committed and loving (Gonsiorek, 2014).
Again, they are faced with similar challenges which include household chores, financial
conflicts, family, as well as parenting. Despite the Supreme Court ruling that allowed
equality and protection for the LGBT people in the United States, gay people continue to
face discrimination in terms of housing, imprisonment, jobs and even parenting. According
to the new Gallup estimate, American adults identified as either lesbians, gay, bisexual or
transgender total to 4.5 % of the entire population. This is approximately 11 million
citizens. With the legalization, the number continues to rise wherein 2016 they comprised
4.1% and 3.6% in 2012. Despite the legalization and acceptance of gay people in the United
States, they continue to suffer and live under fear of exploitation and discrimination on
issues such as crimes and segregation (Curry, 2017). In America, 5% of the total hate crime
committed is as a result of sexual orientation while 2% are due to individual gender
identity. The society has not yet come to terms with accepting them as usual and part of the
population thus making them quite a vulnerable group. People identifying as lesbians, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and asexual considers social stigma as the
primary source of stress and anxiety in their lives. Thus, they tend to seek therapy from
qualified therapists who can help them overcome the challenges (Blondeel et al., 2018). In
that case, the LGBT people tend to be afraid and feel threatened for the expected reaction
from the society especially in matters concerning their relationships and marriage. The
common challenges among gay couples have led to the rise in the use of LGBT couple
counseling before the wedding.Research ObjectivesGeneral ObjectiveThe general objective
of the study will be to establish the effectiveness of LGBT couples counseling in enhancing
the wellbeing of gay people in the United States. Specific ObjectiveThe specific objectives of
the project will entail:1. To establish how self-confidence from couple counseling enhances
the well-being of gay people in the United States.2. To determine the effects of couple
counseling for improving the relationship between gay couples in the United States.3. To
establish how couple counseling promotes acceptance thus enhancing the wellbeing of gay
people in the United States. Research Questions1. How does self-acceptance gained through
couple counseling enhances the wellbeing of gay people in the United States?2. What are the
effects of couple counseling on strengthening the relationship between gay people in the
United States?3. How does LGBT couple counseling promote acceptance among gay people
in the United States?The significance of the StudyThe study is considered important because
it will give insight into the various challenges that the LGBT people in America face. Again, it
will elaborate on the role of the social workers in ensuring equality and protection of the
gay community. Besides, the findings of the research can be used to establish policies meant
to enhance inclusion in America as well as provide the basis for conducting further studies
on the issues affecting the LGBT people at large. Limitations of the StudyAmong the
challenges that are likely to be faced during the study include limited time and budget for
the research. The review will be extensive thus requiring enough time and money to cater
to the entire research process. Additionally, LGBT people may not be willing to take part in
the study as they fear discrimination and victimization. As a result, it might be difficult to
access relevant and reliable information for the research.Literature ReviewConcept

7. DefinitionLGBTThe term LGBT is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. It
is a word used to describe the people of other sexual orientation and gender identity other
than the heterosexual. A lesbian refers to a woman who is sexually and emotionally
attracted to fellow women. Gay is the male with sexual attraction towards fellow men.
However, in some instances, the word gay is used to refer to lesbians, gay, and bisexuals all
together. For the Bisexuals, they are attracted to people of both sexes while transgender
refers to people whose inner identity contradicts with the role associated with the
portrayed gender.Challenges Faced by LGBT PeopleBesides the rapidly growing cultural
acceptance of diverse sexual and romantic orientation together with gender identification,
LGBT people are also faced with oppression, discrimination, and marginalization. Prolonged
cases of bias can result in stigma, depression, and stress cases. Research shows that LGBT
people have a high chances of becoming suicidal and self-harm especially when they
experience discrimination based on their sexual and gender identity (Graham et al., 2011).
Besides, students associated with the grouping are said to have a high rate of experiencing
bullying, social rejection, as well as a sexual assault which can lead to chronic stress among
the victims (Higa et al., 2014). Lytle et al. (2014) argues that in more than 37 states, LGBT
people are discriminated against obtaining health insurance. The prevalence of
discrimination has adverse effects on gay people. Often, they feel pressured to fit in the
conventional ideas of the community of either being a male or a female (Curry, 2017). Based
on their difference from the normal genders, they hide and stay segregated from the rest of
the people to avoid being ridiculed, intimidated, and at times even sexually abused. The
increased pressure can lead to the development of mental instability such as stress and
depression that they need the guidance and advice of the social worker to manage and
overcome. Besides obtaining the support and help in dealing with the toxic and harmful
response from society, gay couples also seek to see counselors to understand their gender
roles and stage disparities.LGBT Couple Counseling Kelley (2015) states that like other
persons, LGBT people seek counseling for help while faced with many of the same
challenges that affect the heterosexual individuals such as anxiety, depression, grief, and
even couple therapy. They seek therapeutic assistance as a way of dealing with the stigma of
mental health issues and the LGBT orientation. In most cases, therapists address multiple
issues that the gay people need to take into consideration especially in the case where they
have chosen to become public. They give them directions and counsel on how to overcome
the current challenges in society as a result of their orientation. The counseling sessions
help to prepare the couple on dealing with the worst that the community can give ranging
from discrimination to being abused and victimized. 1. Self-ConfidenceDuring the
counseling sessions, therapists are in a position to explore the issues of the couple and
address the challenges effectively. This involves acting as the advocates for the marginalized
group and encouraging them on the importance of accepting themselves as they are.
Maintaining awareness increases the knowledge of the LGBT people both on their rights
and privileges as the law in the nation provides them. The counselor often advises them to
step out instead of confining themselves in the closets thus increasing their vulnerability.2.
Excellent RelationshipsEngaging in constant communication and sharing experience
between the gay people opens up their minds and increase their interest in understanding

8. one another. Counseling promotes positivity and enthusiasm where they learn to approach
things and situations in life with optimism (Henry, 2013). This is not only for the social
relation but also for the couple relationship where they learn to understand and support
one another throughout the relationship.3. Social Acceptance Often, social workers engage
in creating awareness beyond the LGBT community. According to research, the people
around gay people are the primary source of adverse reactions that result in rejection and
developing suicidal ideas. Therefore, the counselor advises the couple on the best behaviors
to depict to ensure that they attract little rejection from society.Gap From the review, most
of the studies conducted about the LGBT community are associated with the challenges that
they face despite the legalization and protection under the law. However, a few studies have
been undertaken about establishing the usefulness and effectiveness of the couple therapy
and counseling in dealing with the challenges in the community. Objectively, the research
will be conducted to determine how couple counseling improve the life of LGBT individuals
in the United States. As a result, it will provide the answers to the research questions that
relate to enhancing their confidence, deal with social rejection, as well as promote their
relationship. Variables The study will contain both the independent and dependent
variables. The independent refers to the variable that can stand on its own (couple
counseling) while the dependent needs and id influenced by the independent one
(wellbeing of the LGBT people).Independent Variables (Effective Couple Counseling)
Improved Well-being Social acceptance References Blondeel, K., de Vasconcelos,
S., García-Moreno, C., Stephenson, R., Temmerman, M., & Toskin, I. (2018). World Health
Assembly». Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 96, 29-41L.Curry, C. (2017). “9
Battles the LGBT Community in the US Is Still Fighting, Even in 2017. The Globl Citizen.
Accessed from https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/9-battles-the-lgbt-community-
in-the-us-is-still-fi/Gonsiorek, J. C. (2014). Introduction to the first issue of Psychology of
Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.Graham, R., Berkowitz, B., Blum, R., Bockting, W.,
Bradford, J., de Vries, B., & Makadon, H. (2011). The health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender people: Building a foundation for better understanding. Washington, DC:
Institute of Medicine.Henry, M. M. (2013). Coming out: Implications for self-esteem and
depression in gay and lesbian individuals (Doctoral dissertation, Humboldt State
University).Higa, D., Hoppe, M. J., Lindhorst, T., Mincer, S., Beadnell, B., Morrison, D. M. … &
Mountz, S. (2014). Negative and positive factors associated with the well-being of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Youth & Society, 46(5),
663-687.Kelley, F. A. (2015). The therapy relationship with lesbian and gay clients.
Psychotherapy, 52(1), 113.Lee, C., Oliffe, J. L., Kelly, M. T., & Ferlatte, O. (2017). Depression
and suicidality in gay men: Implications for health care providers. American journal of
men’s health, 11(4), 910-919.Lytle, M. C., Vaughan, M. D., Rodriguez, E. M., & Shmerler, D. L.
(2014). Working with LGBT individuals: Incorporating positive psychology into training and
practice. Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversity, 1(4), 335.Here is a link to
the article that was approved Evaluating Qualitative Research for Social Work Practitioners
Cynthia A. Lietz Luis E. Zayas Abstract: Diane Sharkey RE: Discussion 1 – Week
7COLLAPSEUsing your research problem and the refined question you developed in Week
4, develop two sampling structures: probability and nonprobability.The question I created

9. in week 4 was: “which treatment strategy is most effective at decreasing PTSD symptoms in
college-aged female sexual assault victims?”For probability, I would use the simple random
sampling and create a sampling frame of 100 cases with participating colleges throughout
the state (Yegidis, Weinbach, and Myers, 2018).My research question lends itself better to a
non probability sampling. I feel a mixture between snowball and convenience sampling
would be best suited for my research question (Yegidis et al., 2018).Explain who would be
included in each sample and how each sample would be selected.100 female, college-aged
sexual assault victims would be included in all of the samples I use.With probability
sampling, the information about the study could be disseminated via fliers that are passed
out on each college campus. I could partner with organizations such as National Alliance on
Mental Illness (NAMI) who can provide volunteers to visit the participating colleges and get
the word out. This distribution of information may have to occur multiple times at colleges
until 100 participants Once the list of 100 participants has been created, I would assign each
person a number and use a computer program to randomly generate 25 numbers that I
would then correlate with the correct names.In reference to non probability convenience
sampling, I could contact colleagues throughout the state who would be willing to speak
with their (eligible) clients and ask if they would be amenable to joining my study (Yegidis
et al., 2018). Additionally, using the snowball sampling I could ask participants as they
contact me to reach out to anyone they know who might be interested in participating
(Yegidis et al., 2018). Once I have enough participants, I would then begin the study.Be
specific about the sampling structures you chose, evaluating both strengths and limitations
of each.Regarding the probability sampling method, a strength is using fliers to help create
the base for the sample. If I was able to obtain a list of potential participants from police
records (which would be unethical and also illegal), it would limit my study to only women
who have reported the crime. However, using the distribution of pamphlets it allows for the
possibility of victims who have not reported their assaults. Alimitation would be the amount
of time it could take to get 100 people willing to participate in the research study as many
college students do not take fliers and if they do many throw them away without reading
them. Additionally, victims may not want to relive their experience or disclose to strangers
therefore making it (potentially) more difficult to obtain the sample frame.Yegidis et al.
(2018) discuss the importance of limiting bias as much as possible in all sampling methods.
However, they place emphasis on the significance of limiting bias especially in quantitative
studies, which mine is (Yegidis et al., 2018). A limitation of using snowball sampling would
be geographic location. Going by word of mouth usually means most of the people will be
located in the same general area, composing similar populations. Furthermore, the
participants could have discussed their experiences with each other (since they know one
another) and this could potentially bias/impact the recollection of their attacks. If I used
convenience sampling from my colleagues, many of the women may have already received
counseling services and may already have opinions regarding what works best. A strength
of both of these non probability sampling methods is the large number of participants I
could find in a short amount of time.ReferenceYegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L.
L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson. Angelica
Wiggins RE: Discussion 2 – Week 7COLLAPSEPer Yegidis, Weinbach & Myers (2018), “a

10. sample is a subset of cases selected for study from among people or objects within a defined
population. It is chosen to represent the population.” In the study, the sample is low income
families in California that are receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
which in California is known as CalWORKS. Recipients have options of immediate job
readiness (Job Club) help, remedial education for recipients lacking basic skills, and
vocational training at local community colleges and adult education centers for those
seeking higher level education and skills (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014).According
to Plummer, Makris & Brocksen (2014), “generalizability is important in explanatory
research, which attempts to identify relationships between variables within research
samples and provide evidence that the same relationships exist beyond those samples.” In
the study, generalizability was ensured by using large enough sample sizes that provided
diversity and covered all aspects of the populations in California. Single mothers were
represented in the sample and there was a clear relationship present with single mothers
and assistance in childcare services. With this study being so large there will be a wide
range of results at the end of the study.ReferencePlummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S.
M. (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International
Universities Publishing.Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research
methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.