The sampling method that would be applicable in the above case of determining the effect which a gospel youth program have on at-risk youth is the stratified method of sampling. This is a superior method of sampling because it decreases the sampling error. The method will use stratums of gospel youth programs and non-gospel youth programs in discerning the prevailing risks. Generally, the researcher will first identify the above stratums and their actual representation in the whole population. Random sampling would then be applied in selecting a sufficient number of variables that reasonably represents the population under study. Sufficient here would mean a number we can be convinced that represents the youth population under the study. (Phrasisombath, 2009)
Secondly, calculating the exact sample size is a significant part of the above research design. One should comprehend that different research requires the use of different methods of calculating the sample size. Before the calculation of the sample size, Smith (2013) asserts that it is first fundamental to determine particular aspects of the targeted population i.e. the gospel youths. They include population size, the margin of error, confidence level and the standard deviation. Supposing the sample size has been noted to be too large and cannot be handled, then either the confidence level can be decreased, or the margin of error can be increased. The sample size should thus strike a balance in its size for it to enable the attainment of realistic results from the study.
The possible findings on the above research would be that the gospel youth program would play a fundamental role in reducing the risks that youths increasingly face. In fact, the programs play tremendous roles in the lives of the youth because they have a higher propensity of shaping their lives in the desired manners as per the religious principles. Therefore, the predicted impact of the youth program would be high.
Reference
Phrasisombath, K. (2009). Sample size and sampling methods (1st ed., p. 34). Vientiane: Faculty of Postgraduate Studies and Research University of Health Sciences. Retrieved from http://www.gfmer.ch/Activites_internationales_Fr/Laos/PDF/Sample_size_methods_Phrasisombath_Laos_2009.pdf
Smith, S. (2013). Determining Sample Size: How to Ensure You Get the Correct Sample Size | Qualtrics. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/determining-sample-size/
