15. Why is this a population survey and not a sample survey?

The survey will be administered to all faculty, staff and students at Kent State University. Climate exists in microclimates, so creating opportunities to maximize participation is important as well as maximizing opportunities to reach minority populations. Along these lines, the consultant has recommended not using random sampling as we may “miss” particular populations where numbers are very small (e.g., Native American faculty). Since one goal of the project is inclusiveness and allowing invisible “voices” to be heard, this sampling technique is not used. In addition, randomized stratified sampling is not used because we do not have population data on most identities. For example, Kent State collects population data on gender and race/ethnicity, but not on disability status or sexual orientation. So a sample approach could miss many groups.