Gather Numeric Measurement Data From

¶ … gather numeric measurement data from a questionnaire the most important part of the process is to make sure that an adequate sample has been selected to represent the population from which it was drawn. Depending on the variables and statistical processes selected the sample can be small or large but must always be random. Random sampling reduces error, thus increasing the reliability of the test results. Random selection can be simple random, systematic random, stratified random, or even cluster random. For the present investigation the simple random method will be used as the sampling frame is small. 50 high school female teenagers who smoke and 50 college females who smoke will be randomly selected from a metropolitan area high school (population: 2,200 students - 1,400 female students - 400 female smokers). The 30 female college age smokers will be randomly selected from a local university with a student body of 14,000 students wherein 8500 students are female, and of the 8,500 female students 1,800 are smokers. The statistical data analysis technique used to analyze the questionnaire numeric data will be multiple regression and correlation programs as the intent of the study is to determine whether there is a statistically significant relationship (positive or negative) between female high school smokers and female college smokers with respect to grade point average, major, socio-economic class, birth order, parents who smoke, sport activity involvement, and use of alcohol. In order to gather the necessary measurement data the following questionnaire will be administered to the selected samples.

The sample of 50 for each group was chosen as correlation studies with a sample of 50 correspond to correlations of 0.90 or higher. For multiple regression analysis the 50 sample size is sufficient to deal with multiple predictors.

Questionnaire

Dear Participant: Thank you for agreeing to participate in this study in an attempt to determine whether there is a positive or negative relationship between female high school smokers and female college smokers. Please answer all questions fairly and honestly. Please do not place any personal identification information on the questionnaire.

1. Age:

2. Birth Order: First____ Middle____ Last

3. Length of time you have smoked:

4. Does your father smoke? Yes____ No_

5. Does your mother smoke? Yes____ No_

6. Do you participate in sports' activities? Yes____ No_

7. What is your grade point average?

8. What is your grade level? Freshman____ Sophomore____ Junior____ Senior_