Final answer:
Momentary Time Sampling is a psychological research method and falls under discontinuous observations within psychology. The number of times per week is quantitative discrete data, and systematic sampling was used for selecting study participants. The duration is quantitative continuous data, while house colors are qualitative data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Momentary Time Sampling is a psychological research method used for observing and recording behavior within pre-set intervals of time. It is categorized under discontinuous observation techniques. This method does not record every instance of behavior. Instead, it involves checking for the presence or absence of behaviors at specific moments. This technique is commonly used in behavior analysis to estimate the proportion of time a person or animal spends engaged in a particular behavior.
Regarding the provided information, if we were to categorize 'Number of times per week', it would fall into the quantitative discrete category since it represents countable events. The sampling method used in the study of residents using a local park in San Antonio, Texas is systematic, as the selection process involves choosing every eighth house. The duration of time is an example of quantitative continuous data because it involves measuring time which can be infinitely divisible. The colors of the houses would be considered qualitative (categorical) data because they represent categories without inherent numerical value.
Researchers sometimes use convenience samples, such as students enrolled in Introduction to Psychology courses, for practicality, although such samples may not be perfectly representative of the general population. Symbolic interactionists would more likely utilize participant observation as a research technique, which allows for in-depth understanding of social interactions within their natural context. In every research, random sampling is an ideal to strive for in order to ensure that the sample is representative of the population, and hence, the findings are valid and reliable.