published: volume 3, number 3 (2003)

 

Sampling Bias: Full-Text Online Databases and Article Selection

 

Christopher Lopata and
Catherine Cook-Cottone

Canisius College
716-888-3735
 lopatac@canisius.edu

Niagara University

abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the affect of full-text online databases on graduate education students’ article sampling and selection. Students were surveyed regarding article retrieval behavior and the reason(s) for most utilized method of retrieval. Results of the study indicated that students retrieved significantly more articles full-text online. The significantly higher rate of full-text utilization created a sampling bias that systematically precluded sampling from the full-content universe (i.e., content population). Data also indicated proportions of articles retrieved full-text online did not differ based on time impediments. Qualitative responses revealed that students who relied on full-text online articles identified convenience as the most common reason for its use. Implications for teacher educators and scholars are presented, as well as suggestions for future research.

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The Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (JoSoTL)

Volume 3, Number 3 (2003)

 

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