Is the method of sampling clearly presented? Could the way the sampling was obtained influence the results?
The method of sampling is stated in the procedure paragraph and was done by means of a survey. The population consisted of students from the vocational high schools and those in comprehensive schools in the twelve schools districts that are located throughout New Jersey, USA. This sample is selective and may not represent the population that the researchers are trying to analyze, which is women as a whole. The method of obtaining a sample of the students from this selective population was not mentioned, therefore, it is impossible to comment on whether the sampling method was biased or unbiased. The only indicator is that 1,152 students from the entire population were sampled. Is there anything in the procedures for collecting information, or in the instruments themselves, that could bias the results or weaken the study? The procedure for collecting the data used a math test to allow the students to experience math anxiety in close proximity to the time when they were asked to indicate
