The Latinx population, has been substantially growing in the recent years. Currently, the US Hispanic population is over 60 million. From 2010 to 2021, “The U.S. population grew by 23.1 million…and Hispanics accounted for 52% of this increase – a greater share than any other racial or ethnic group” (Krogstad et al., 2022, para. 4). This growth has translated into higher education. When looking at the amount of schooling, “About 44% of U.S. Hispanic adults ages 25 and older had at least some college experience in 2021, up from 36% in 2010” (Krogstad et al., 2022, para. 20). 

There is no better example of the old axiom—you get out what you put it—than when applied to the selection of a sample for your survey data collection. Selecting the right sample will ensure that you can answer the questions that you desire when your study is done.

Sampling can be a scary process for those who are not familiar with the techniques, so when possible, we do recommend connecting with a professional sampling statistician to assist. However, there are some basics to consider when implementing a study like the MSL . . .

Recently, I was visiting with family when one of my relatives started talking about the protests related specifically to the murders of several Black folks across the country and more generally to police brutality and systemic racism. She mentioned that the violence against Black people is horrible but that she didn’t agree with blocking off highways and other areas or the destruction of property that was happening concurrently with the protests. Normally, I would let comments like this slide – I prefer not to rock the boat with family. But this time I felt compelled to provide a different perspective, to push back and challenge my relative to see it differently . . .