Deck 9: Developing the Sampling Plan

Question 1

A sample where the respondent provides the names of other potential respondents is called a(n):

A) judgment sample.
B) snowball sample.
C) quota sample.
D) accidental sample.
E) probability sample.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Snowball samples are an example of:

A) convenience sampling.
B) judgment sampling.
C) quota sampling.
D) simple random sampling.
E) stratified sampling.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Ten volunteers are requested from your class to test a new bicycle. Of these ten, two are selected at random for the actual tests. The sampling frame consists of:

A) the students who were selected for the actual tests.
B) the students who volunteered.
C) all the students in the class.
D) the students who were not selected.
E) all the students in the school.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Convenience samples are best used for:

A) causal research.
B) exploratory research.
C) hypothesis testing.
D) descriptive research.
E) experimental designs.

Question 5

In order to define a population, the researcher needs to specify:

A) the geographic boundaries of the population.
B) which elements are not of interest.
C) the time period for the study.
D) Both a and b
E) a, b, and c.

Question 6

Which of the following is a probability sample?

A) Quota sample
B) Convenience sample
C) Cluster sample
D) Judgment sample
E) Snowball sample

Question 7

The distinguishing feature of nonprobability sampling plans is that:

A) they allow an assessment of sampling error.
B) they are not as representative of the population as probability samples.
C) they involve personal judgment somewhere in the selection of sample elements.
D) there is only one basic type of nonprobability sample while there are several types of probability samples.
E) they tend to be more expensive than probability samples.

Question 8

Sample size depends upon the:

A) type of sample.
B) statistic in question.
C) homogeneity of the population.
D) Both a and c
E) a, b, and c.

Question 9

While giving guidelines to her field interviewing staff, a researcher states, "I want you to interview every tenth customer entering a K-Mart store at the following key sites." This is an example of ____ sampling.

A) judgment
B) quota
C) sequential
D) systematic
E) convenience

Question 10

Convenience samples:

A) take place at 7-11, Stop & Go or other convenience stores.
B) are nonprobability samples.
C) are typically not representative of the entire population.
D) Both a and b
E) Both b and c.

Question 11

A complete canvass of a population is called a:

A) sample.
B) census.
C) sampling frame.
D) population.
E) directory.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a problem with using a phone book for a sampling frame?

A) Unlisted phone numbers.
B) Not all homes have phones.
C) Double counting homes with multiple phone numbers.
D) The phone book is always outdated.
E) All of the above are problems when sampling from phone books.

Question 13

All of the following are probability sampling plans EXCEPT:

A) quota.
B) area.
C) cluster.
D) disproportionate stratified.
E) systematic.

Question 14

A researcher wants to interview members of the junior class in a local high school that are interested in attending the local university in order to investigate their attitudes concerning the university's admissions policy. Although the researcher suspects that many of the juniors are interested in attending, the researcher cannot get a list of juniors but only has the names of the three students that have expressed their interest by writing to the admissions office. What sampling procedure should the researcher use to assemble a sample of adequate size?

A) Simple random sampling
B) Referred sampling
C) Snowball sampling
D) Convenience sampling
E) Quota sampling

Question 15

Which of the following conclusions to the sentence is INCORRECT? "It is often preferable to sample rather than canvass a population because..."

A) complete counts of populations of even moderate size are very costly and time consuming.
B) the information will be obsolete by the time the census is complete.
C) in some cases a census is impossible.
D) a sample has less potential for nonsampling error.
E) statistical procedures cannot be used on population data.

Question 16

Judgment samples are distinguished by the fact that:

A) those entering the sample happen to be where the study is being done when it is being done.
B) the proportion of those possessing a given characteristic is balanced against the proportion of the population possessing the characteristic.
C) each field worker is allowed to judge whether any given respondent would be a good representative of the population.
D) the sample elements are hand picked by the investigator because it is expected they can offer the contributions sought.
E) they are superior to other forms of sampling for descriptive studies.

Question 17

In probability samples, the probabilities of each element being included must be:

A) known.
B) nonzero.
C) equal.
D) known and equal.
E) known and nonzero.

Question 18

Samples are often used to infer something about a population rather than canvassing the population itself because they are typically:

A) cheaper than complete counts.
B) faster than complete counts.
C) more accurate than complete counts.
D) Both a and b
E) a, b, and c.

Question 19

A sampling frame:

A) is a list of population elements from which the sample will be drawn.
B) is the list of population elements actually included in the sample.
C) usually provides biased statistics.
D) is a form of probability sampling.
E) is a form of nonprobability sampling.

Question 20

One of the major problems with mail surveys is nonresponse bias. In an effort to minimize this, a researcher decides to limit the sample to his personal friends from whom he is sure to get replies. This is an example of a:

A) probability sample.
B) nonprobability sample.
C) random sample.
D) sequential sample.
E) quota sample.

Question 21

The differences between a cluster sample and a stratified sample are in a:

A) cluster sample, the parent population is divided into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subsets.
B) stratified sample, the parent population is divided into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subsets.
C) stratified sample, a simple random sample of elements is chosen independently from each group or subset, while in a cluster sample, a random sample of the subsets is selected.
D) cluster sample, a simple random sample of elements is chosen independently from each group or subset, while in a stratified sample, a random sample of the subsets is selected.
E) None of the above.

Question 22

Which of the following regarding probability samples is FALSE?

A) Evaluation of the precision of a sample result is important to most researchers and therefore they seek to use probability samples whenever possible.
B) In general, probability sampling requires personnel who are more skilled and experienced than nonprobability sampling.
C) Probability samples will usually cost substantially more than a nonprobability sample of the same size on a per observation basis.
D) One real advantage that probability samples have over nonprobability samples is their greater economic efficiency.
E) Elements of the sample are selected objectively.

Question 23

The advantages of stratified over simple random sampling include stratified sampling:

A) ensures adequate representation from each stratum of interest.
B) can produce more precise sample statistics.
C) allows for the comparison of variables between strata.
D) Both b and c
E) All of the above.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT TRUE for simple random sampling?

A) Each element has a known chance of being selected.
B) Each element has a nonzero chance of being selected.
C) Each element has an equal chance of being selected.
D) Each combination of n population elements has an equal chance of being selected.
E) All of the above are true statements.

Question 25

The distinguishing features of a simple random sample are:

A) each population element has a known chance of being selected.
B) each population element has an equal chance of being selected.
C) every combination of n population elements is a sample possibility.
D) Both a and b
E) a, b, and c.

Question 26

Quota samples are typically selected so that the distribution of a characteristic in the sample matches the distribution of that same characteristic in the population. With respect to the representativeness of quota samples, it can thus be said that

A) a quota sample may be very far off the mark with respect to other important characteristics likely to influence the result but which were not used as controls when selecting the sample.
B) the fact that the distribution of the characteristic in the sample parallels the distribution in the population does not guarantee that the sample is representative.
C) the quota assigned each field worker should exactly mirror the distribution of the control characteristic in the population.
D) Both a and b
E) a, b, and c.

Question 27

A researcher wants to study the effects of social class on consumption behavior. He establishes three different categories of social class in terms of amount of income. He then assigns each field worker a specified number of interviews with people in each income category although the interviewers are allowed to select who they interview. This is an example of:

A) probability sampling.
B) stratified sampling.
C) systematic sampling.
D) quota sampling.
E) random sampling.

Question 28

Which of the following is TRUE?

A) When sampling from a population that is highly skewed, a cluster sample generally provides the most representative sample.
B) Stratified sampling is a very useful sampling technique. It allows closer examination of the characteristics of particular subgroups. It also lowers the chance of error by ensuring that subgroups are adequately represented in the sample. However, this method generally produces less precise estimates of population values than simple random samples.
C) In calculating the standard error of the mean when using a stratified sample, one finds that differences among strata means do not enter the estimate.
D) When using proportional allocation in stratified random sampling, one samples from each of the strata in proportion to their respective variabilities.
E) The sampling distribution of means for stratified sampling is generally less concentrated than that obtained from simple random sampling.

Question 29

The distinguishing feature of probability samples is that:

A) they involve personal judgment somewhere in the selection of sample elements.
B) each population element has an equal chance of being included in the sample.
C) each population element has an equal chance of being included in the sample and every combination of n population elements is a sample possibility.
D) each population element has a known chance of being included in the sample.
E) they will always be more representative of the population than nonprobability samples.

Question 30

For simple random sampling, the mean of all possible sample means is equal to the population mean when which of the following conditions is true. Choose the best possible answer.

A) Sampling is with replacement.
B) Sampling is without replacement.
C) Sampling is from an infinite population.
D) Sampling is from a finite population.
E) Sampling is with or without replacement and from an infinite or finite population.

Question 31

A researcher wants to be able to assess the amount of "sampling error" associated with an estimate. Which of the following sampling methods would you recommend he use?

A) Convenience
B) Quota
C) Nonprobability
D) Probability
E) Judgment

Question 32

A researcher wishes to sample from a population in which two important segments make up less than 2% of the population, but wishes to develop confidence intervals describing their behaviors. Which type of sampling is most appropriate?

A) Stratified sampling
B) Convenience sampling
C) Systematic sampling
D) Simple random sampling
E) Judgment sampling

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a probability sample?

A) Simple random sample
B) Stratified sample
C) Cluster sample
D) Judgment sample
E) All of the above are probability samples.

Question 34

A parameter represents:

A) the geographical boundary of a population.
B) certain characteristics of a random sample.
C) fixed characteristics of a population.
D) fixed characteristics of a nonprobability sample.
E) an unbiased estimator of the population mean.

Question 35

A problem with nonprobability samples is:

A) they are always more representative than nonprobability samples.
B) one cannot assess the amount of sampling error likely to occur.
C) there is no problem with using nonprobability samples
D) Both a and b
E) None of the above.

Question 36

Which of the following statements is INCORRECT with respect to a quota sample?

A) It is relatively easy to verify whether the sample is representative.
B) Field workers' personal judgments govern the choice of sample members.
C) The quotas per field worker usually mirror the distribution of characteristics in the population.
D) Quota samples are an example of nonprobability sampling.
E) Both a and c.

Question 37

A researcher divides the population of the purchasers of Brand X into heavy and light users. He then chooses a random sample independently from each group. This is an example of ____ sampling.

A) nonprobability
B) random
C) judgmental
D) stratified
E) quota

Question 38

Which of the following is FALSE with regard to stratified sampling?

A) A stratified random sample is drawn by dividing the parent population into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subsets and by then taking a random sample of these subsets.
B) The basic rule by which we stratify suggests the resulting strata should be as homogeneous as possible.
C) When sampling from a population that is highly skewed, a stratified sample generally provides the most representative sample.
D) A market researcher needs information about parts of the population, as well as the total population. He should therefore plan on using a stratified random sample.
E) Stratified samples are more statistically efficient than simple random samples.

Question 39

The sampling distribution of a statistic refers to the:

A) distribution of all possible sample values of the statistic that could be drawn from the parent population under the specified sampling plan.
B) distribution of the variable in the parent population.
C) distribution of the variable in a particular sample.
D) spread of the variable in the parent population.
E) unbiased nature of most sample statistics.

Question 40

Which of the following is needed before a confidence interval can be established for a population mean?

A) A confidence level
B) A point estimate of the population mean
C) An estimate of the sampling error associated with the sample mean
D) All of the above.
E) Both a and b

Question 41

The distinguishing feature of cluster samples in comparison to other probability sampling plans is that cluster samples:

A) provide each population element with an equal chance of being included in the sample.
B) provide each population element with a known chance of being included in the sample.
C) involve the partitioning of the parent population into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subsets.
D) involve the partitioning of the parent population into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subsets and the probabilistic selection of elements from each subset.
E) utilize the probabilistic selection of groups rather than elements.

Question 42

If a local newspaper reporter tries to gather information about perceptions of a proposed comprehensive "senior exit exam" by interviewing officers from the university's student senate (because they are well informed about the feelings of the general student body), what type of sampling procedure is he using?

A) Simple random sample
B) Systematic sample
C) Judgment sample
D) Convenience sample
E) Quota sample

Question 43

If a newspaper editor asks a reporter to interview thirty males and thirty females from each of three geographical areas of a particular city for a prospective story, what type of sampling procedure is being used?

A) Simple random sample
B) Convenience sample
C) Quota sample
D) Systematic sample
E) Stratified sample

Question 44

Which of the following types of probability samples does not require a complete list of population elements by name in order to draw the sample?

A) Stratified sample
B) Systematic sample
C) Simple random sample
D) Cluster sample
E) Quota sample

Question 45

A researcher divides the city of Flint, Michigan, into 500 blocks of 10 households each. He requires a sample of 400 households. He selects a sample by randomly selecting 100 blocks and randomly selecting 4 households per block. This is an example of ____.

A) systematic sampling
B) two-stage area sampling
C) probability-proportional-to-size sampling
D) one-stage area sampling
E) sequential sampling

Question 46

The primary advantage of area sampling plans is:

A) area sampling data is easy to tabulate and analyze.
B) they don't require probability-based methods of element selection.
C) results can be generalized from one area to another without loss of statistical efficiency.
D) they don't require a list of elements from the population of interest.
E) the results are more understandable for the general public than other, more complex plans.

Question 47

PGA conducts a study in which they use a simple random sample of 600 golfers. They examine the data from the sample and calculate that 28% of them own golf clubs made in the USA. The 28% is the:

A) average handicap of these golfers.
B) sample statistic.
C) population mean for all golfers.
D) population parameter.
E) None of the above.

Question 48

If you decided to interview members of your class with regard to issues relating to the university and college life, you would have selected the ____ as a means of sampling members of the total population.

A) simple random sample
B) stratified random sample
C) cluster (area) sample
D) convenience sample
E) quota sample

Question 49

A market researcher divides the Dallas metropolitan area into blocks having roughly equal populations. He then selects a random sample of blocks and sends interviewers to each block. The interviewers are instructed to interview every eighth dwelling unit. This is ____ sampling.

A) one-stage area
B) two-stage area
C) quota
D) two-stage systematic
E) stratified

Question 50

A researcher is seeking a representative sample (of size n=50) of Fortune magazine's list of the 500 largest industrial corporations. She randomly decides to begin at company number 4 and then select every 10th company until 50 have been selected. The researcher is using what type of sampling plan?

A) Simple random sampling
B) Judgment sampling
C) Systematic sampling
D) Stratified sampling
E) Convenience sampling

Question 51

When using area sampling, a researcher should seek a balance between statistical efficiency, which suggests ____, and economic considerations, which suggest ____.

A) the need for accuracy, that benefits be considered
B) a small number of areas be used, few areas be used
C) a large number of areas be used, few areas be used
D) that a small sample size can be used to predict accurately, possible losses due to faulty predictions can be costly
E) that a large number of areas be used, a large number of observations within each area be collected

Question 52

To develop a representative, systematic sample of personal income, the population census:

A) should be ordered at random.
B) should be ordered from high to low income.
C) should be ordered from low to high income.
D) Either b or c is correct.
E) None of the above.

Question 53

If you enter a shopping mall and notice a researcher handing out surveys to everyone asking their opinion about a possible increase in state sales tax rates, what type of sampling procedure is being used?

A) Convenience sample
B) Implied sample
C) Simple random sample
D) Systematic sample
E) Quota sample

Question 54

Interviewers are told to select a fixed number of men and a fixed number of women from certain city blocks, although the choice of which men and which women is left up to them. This is a:

A) simple random sample.
B) quota sample.
C) stratified sample.
D) cluster sample.
E) probability sample.

Question 55

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A) In cluster sampling, the parent population is broken into mutually exclusive and exhaustive subgroups and a simple random sample is selected from each subgroup.
B) Cluster samples are most statistically efficient when the clusters are internally homogeneous.
C) In order to yield high statistical efficiency, each cluster in a cluster sample should include as many diverse universe values as possible.
D) One of the main advantages of cluster sampling over simple random sampling is its greater statistical efficiency for the same size sample.
E) All of the above statements are false.

Question 56

In practice, simple random sampling should be strongly considered:

A) if the population is small and can be numbered easily.
B) in telephone surveys where random digit dialing programs may be used to generate numbers.
C) when population units are stored in an electronic file allowing computer programs to randomly select the sample.
D) All of the above are situations that allow for the practical application of simple random sampling.
E) None of the situations allow the practical application of simple random sampling.

Question 57

In a one-stage area sample of 10 blocks from a population of 100 blocks, the probability of any household being included in the sample is:

A)0.10.
B)0.01.
C)1.10.
D) 100%.

Question 58

Systematic sampling is a form of:

A) cluster sampling.
B) stratified sampling.
C) quota sampling.
D) convenience sampling.
E) simple random sampling.

Question 59

One goal of stratified sampling plans is to decrease the amount of variability in each stratum. This can be accomplished by:

A) making the strata internally heterogeneous.
B) increasing the amount of sampling error.
C) decreasing the magnitude of the overall sample mean.
D) making the strata internally homogeneous.
E) using a 99% confidence level instead of a 95% confidence level.

Question 60

When stratifying the population, the characteristics should be as:

A) close in value as possible within each strata.
B) far apart in value as possible between any two strata.
C) far apart in value as possible within each strata.
D) Both b and c
E) Both a and b.

Question 61

A(n) ____________________ is a subset of elements from a larger group of objects.

Question 62

In proportionate stratified sampling, after the total sample is allocated, a simple random sample is chosen from each subpopulation to create the total sample.

Question 63

Andy was a senior in college majoring in marketing. He received a call to participate in a survey on behalf of a company that was targeting graduating seniors. At the end of the survey, Andy was asked for the name of a friend who was also a senior in marketing. This is an example of a "referral or snowball" sample.

Question 64

If we were to ask college students "To what extent do they value a college degree?" which type of sample plan would be most appropriate?

A) Any probability sampling plan would be useful.
B) A stratified sample because we would expect the answers to vary by strata: freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior.
C) A cluster sample because we would expect the answers to vary by cluster: freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior.
D) An area sample because we would expect the answers to vary by area: freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior.
E) None of the above would be appropriate. In fact, it would be best to use a nonprobability sampling technique.

Question 65

A researcher cannot pinpoint the actual average family income in a city unless he conducts a census study.

Question 66

What three factors are needed to calculate sample size?

A) Variability, precision, and confidence.
B) Variability, precision, and population size.
C) Precision, confidence, and population size.
D) Precision, population size, and costs.
E) None of the above.

Question 67

Jane Doe wants to administer a short survey on "student driving habits" to a representative sample of students at the local university. She secured a list of students from the student directory. She assigned each student a unique number and then used a random number table to select her sample. Jane Doe is most likely using a:

A) quota sample technique.
B) probability sampling technique.
C) cluster sample technique.
D) statistical inference.
E) judgment sampling technique.

Question 68

Choosing a sample of size n at random is statistically equivalent to first identifying all possible samples of size n in the population and then picking one of these samples randomly.

Question 69

It is only when sample size is allowed to vary that it is possible to achieve given levels of both precision and confidence.

Question 70

There is a trade-off between the confidence level and the degree of precision of the estimate when the:

A) population is finite.
B) sample size is fixed.
C) sample size varies.
D) population is infinite.
E) sample size is small.

Question 71

Sample size (n) is related to the degree of the confidence (1-alpha) in that the:

A) larger the degree of confidence, the larger the sample size.
B) smaller the degree of confidence, he larger the sample size.
C) sample size would be the same irrespective of the degree of confidence.
D) sample size formula is related to z and not to the degree f confidence.
E) None of the above.

Question 72

Which of the following estimated population proportions would require the largest size sample to estimate it with a specified degree of precision and confidence?

A)0.50
B)0.40
C)0.10
D)0.90
E)1.00

Question 73

In stratified random sampling, a sample of population units is randomly selected from each stratum of the population.

Question 74

Which of the following estimated population proportions would require the largest size sample to estimate it with a specified degree of precision and confidence?

A)0.50
B)0.40
C)0.10
D)0.90
E)1.00

Question 75

In simple random sampling, every population unit has an equal chance of being chosen.

Question 76

Precision refers to the degree to which one can feel confident that an estimate approximates the true value.

Question 77

Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the relationship between sample size and the sample representativeness?

A) There is no relation between the size of a sample and the representativeness of the population from which it is drawn.
B) There is a strong positive relationship between the size of a sample and the representativeness of the population from which it is drawn.
C) You cannot have a representative sample unless the sample size is equal to or exceeds ten percent of the population.
D) Sample size determines representativeness but only if the sample plan is a probability sampling plan.
E) None of the above.

Question 78

Respondents can misunderstand, guess, lose attention, suffer distractions, and fatigue. These are all examples of unintentional respondent error and they all contribute to nonsampling error.

Question 79

Nonprobability sampling is an objective procedure in which the probability of selection for the population units can be determined.

Question 80

Cluster sampling is limited to situations in which a sampling frame of population units is not readily available.