Essay Example: Internet Usage and Interests of the People of Nicosia

The government of Nicosia is planning to establish the usage of internet and interests of adults of Nicosia. A group of researchers was selected to conduct a study on the topic above on 0.5% of the 3000,000 adult inhabitants of the island. The 1,500 participants of the study are to be a clear reflection of the remaining 99.5% of the population and should represent the administration, tourism, farming, fishing and manufacturing industries that constitute the population distribution in economic activities. Adults comprise 60% of age and include all persons 18 years of age and above and the male to female ratio of the population is 1:1 with an even distribution of the sexes. The survey team set to concoct a reliable survey methodology sampled the population and devised a questionnaire for the study. This paper discusses the survey methodology, population sampling and components of the questionnaire.

According to Chattopadhyay et al., (2015), the survey method used to seek an individuals view on a given topic or topic and take note of the responses. A survey methodology is a method used for collecting information from a population, which mostly involves sampling a portion of the population and using it as a representation of the entire population. States that survey methodology often entails administering questionnaires to the selected sample from the population (Tille, 2016). A subgroup of the population that is chosen as the respondents to the survey questions after which the information collected is generalized for the whole population of interest.

Survey methodology is the most appropriate method of data collection for the stud because it is cost-effective and efficient in collecting the data required. When the survey involves an entire population as in the case of Nicosia, it is expensive to administer the survey questionnaire to the entire population. Furthermore, it is cumbersome to analyze the data obtained from a large population. The analysis for Nicosia population alone would need even months to be processed if the entire population were to participate. In a population, it is expected that a great part of the population should have similar perceptions and observation on the survey topic. People of a similar age bracket or similar socio-economic or political groups are likely to have similar views concerning particular survey questions. The survey is a very efficient method of representing a big population as it accounts for all relative characteristics of the general population involved in the study.

A survey is the only methodology with the ability to extract data that is almost similar to the attributes of the actual population (Toth, Jones, & Montanarella, 2013). As presented in the study in question, a financial constraint is the main issue of concern in the selection of the method. Production of survey questionnaires is relatively cheaper as compared to other methods of data collection such as carrying out the study in focus groups or interviews.

Surveying provides the researcher with convenient methods of administering the study (Dodd, & Mazurek, 2016). The questionnaires can be sent via mail, e-mail, and fax or even through the internet. This enables the surveyor to reach a broader and more diverse sub-group of the population. The data obtained also has a good statistical significance because of the precise representation. The survey can be framed to accommodate more variables hence more than one research question can be handled at the same time. Furthermore, the obtained results are accurate because no subjectivity of the participants, which would lead to, biased of the outcome.

The survey sample is to be selected through stratified sampling. The core merit of stratified sampling is that it takes into account the characteristics of the population. In the case of study of Nicosia Island, the aforementioned activities of the people of Nicosia must be considered. The genders are given an equal consideration due to the even distribution while the distribution of the people in the mentioned activities must be established and the samples selected in their respective proportions as part of the entire population. There is limited geographical dispersion because the island is a relatively small place. The internet use and interest in the population will vary according to the activities of the people.

The questionnaire should be precise to avoid ambiguity. It should be interesting to read and easily understood by the respondents. A good choice of the questions is important. The questionnaire would include questions on an individuals occupation, means of accessing the internet, content frequently visited and the purpose. It should also inquire the interests of the individual in question. The questions must be structured in a way that the respondent will be comfortable answering them (Geuens, & De Pelsmacker, 2017). Any element of redundancy should be reduce

In conclusion, it is an invaluable inference that the content of the questionnaire and the selection of the sample will be the key determinants of the validity of the outcome of the study of Nicosia Island. The survey techniques would be appropriate methodology for the research. Sampling and administration of questioners are also critical factors.

References

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