Final answer:
Social Studies research utilizes sampling to test hypotheses in experiments, often involving diverse or heterogeneous subject populations. Random sampling and random assignment are crucial for validity, and even small effects can be significant. The size of the sample and its representativeness are paramount factors in the reliability of such experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers in fields such as sociology and psychology often conduct experiments to test cause-and-effect hypotheses. A key concept in designing an experiment is the idea of a sample, which represents a subset of the entire population of interest. Ideally, this sample should be randomly selected to ensure that it is representative and that the results can be generalized to the wider population. Additionally, random assignment is used to divide participants into different groups to compare outcomes under varying conditions.
For example, Frances Heussenstamm's experiment on police prejudice is an instance where a heterogeneous subject population was used to test a theory. The variability included ethnicity, commuting routine, and driving history, which were the independent variables. Similarly, a study on algebra students would involve stratified selection to ensure representation across various demographic factors such as income, race, and geographic areas. Experiments like this can generate findings with implications for teaching methods, learning outcomes, or can even address wider social issues.
However, when the effect size of an experiment is small, as indicated by Cohen's value range, it suggests that the
differences in outcomes are not particularly large or may not be statistically significant. This could be the result of the particular variables chosen, the homogeneity or heterogeneity of the subject population, or other factors like the size of the sample. Even with these limitations, such experiments contribute to our understanding of the subject matter and can form the basis of future research.