Question 1

Which of the following is a type of non-probability sampling method?

Accepted Answer

Quota sampling is a type of non-probability sampling method where the researcher selects individuals based on pre-specified quotas (such as age, gender, income, etc.) to ensure representation of different subgroups in the sample. The other options listed (simple random, systematic, stratified, and cluster sampling) are all types of probability sampling methods.

Question 2

All of the following are types of nonprobability sampling methods EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

All four options listed, convenience, judgment, snowball/referral, and quota, are types of nonprobability sampling methods. Therefore, the correct answer is E, cluster sampling, which is a probability sampling method.

Question 3

In drawing a _____sample, the selection of elements is based on some random procedure that gives elements a known and non-zero chance of being selected, thereby minimizing selection bias.

Accepted Answer

In a probability sample, elements are randomly selected, ensuring that every element has a known and non-zero chance of being selected. This reduces selection bias and provides greater representativeness of the population. Non-probability samples are based on non-random procedures, such as convenience sampling or quota sampling, and are more prone to selection bias. Judgment sampling relies on the researcher's judgement and is also not random. The population refers to the entire group of interest, not the sampling method.

Question 4

Which type of sampling method assigns each element of the target population an equal probability of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling assigns an equal probability to each element of the target population, making it the most efficient and representative method of sampling.

Question 5

When selecting citizens for jury duty, a local municipality randomly draws names from the registered voter database. Each voter has a 20 percent chance of being called up. What type of sampling method does this represent?

Accepted Answer

This represents a simple random sampling method because each voter has an equal probability of being selected, regardless of any other characteristic.

Question 6

____ sampling is a process that involves randomly selecting an initial starting point on a list, and thereafter every n^th element in the sampling frame is selected.

Accepted Answer

The described process is systematic sampling.

Question 7

Which of the following is the number of population elements between each unit selected when using systematic sampling?

Accepted Answer

The sampling interval is the number of population elements between each unit selected when using systematic sampling. It is determined by dividing the population size by the desired sample size.

Question 8

Ramón wants to draw a systematic sample from a population of 5,000. He wants a sample size of 50. In this case, the sampling interval is _____.

Accepted Answer

The sampling interval is calculated by dividing the population size by the sample size. So, 5000 / 50 = 100.

Question 9

The ____ sampling approach to drawing a sample from the target population requires the researcher to partition the target population into relatively homogeneous subgroups that are distinct and non-overlapping.

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling is the most appropriate approach when the target population is very heterogeneous, as it requires the researcher to divide the population into relatively homogeneous subgroups (strata), each with its own characteristics, so that each stratum can be represented proportionally in the sample. This approach increases the precision of the sample without increasing its costs, resulting in more accurate results.

Question 10

Stratified samples are selected in the two following ways: _____.

Accepted Answer

Stratified samples can be selected proportionately or disproportionately based on the distribution of the population.

Question 11

In ____, the overall sample size will be the total of all the elements from each of the strata, and the number of elements chosen from each strata is proportionate to the size of a particular strata relative to the overall sample size.

Accepted Answer

In proportionately stratified sampling, the sample size of each stratum is proportionate to the size of that stratum. This ensures representation of each stratum in the sample, and allows for more precise estimates of population parameters.

Question 12

With this type of stratified sampling, the sample size from each stratum is determined independently without considering the size of the stratum relative to the target population size. The more important a particular stratum is considered, the higher will be the proportion of the sample elements selected from the stratum.

Accepted Answer

This is describing disproportionately stratified sampling, where the sample size is determined without considering the size of the stratum relative to the target population size. The proportion of sample elements selected from each stratum depends on its importance.

Question 13

______ sampling is appropriate when there are subgroups in the population that are naturally formed and relatively homogeneous. Any one of these groups can be viewed as a population or sub-population in its own right.

Accepted Answer

Cluster sampling is used when the population is divided into naturally formed, relatively homogeneous subgroups, and entire clusters are randomly selected for study.

Question 14

If a population is made up of homogeneous groups, such as ethnic groups, which type of sampling method is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Cluster sampling involves grouping the population into clusters or subgroups based on certain characteristics such as geographic proximity or ethnicity. This makes it an appropriate choice for sampling homogeneous groups such as ethnic groups. It allows for easier identification and sampling of the subgroups, thus increasing the representativeness of the sample.

Question 15

Which type of sampling involves a sequence of stages?

Accepted Answer

Multistage cluster sampling involves a sequence of stages where clusters of individuals are selected in the first stage, then subgroups within those clusters are selected in the second stage, and so on. This method is commonly used in large-scale surveys or studies where it is impractical or inefficient to sample every individual in the population of interest.

Question 16

In _____ sampling, the selection of elements for the sample is not necessarily made with the aim of being statistically representative of the population. Thus, not every element in the population has a chance of being selected into the sample and the error associated with the sample is not known.

Accepted Answer

Nonprobability sampling is defined as a sampling technique where the samples are gathered in a process that does not give all the individuals in the population an equal chance of being selected. Thus, the sample may not be representative of the entire population and the error associated with the sample is not known. In contrast, probability sampling techniques (such as simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster sampling) provide every element in the population with a known, nonzero chance of being selected into the sample, which allows researchers to estimate the sampling error.

Question 17

Which sampling method involves selecting sample elements that are most readily available to participate in the study and can provide the information required?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling involves selecting the most readily available individuals to participate in a study. This method is not considered the most rigorous or representative, but can be useful in situations where it is difficult or costly to gather a representative sample.

Question 18

Ken is conducting a survey about consumers' awareness of laser eye surgery to correct near- and far-sightedness. He stands outside a local discount store and approaches individuals wearing glasses. What sampling method is Ken using?

Accepted Answer

Ken is using a convenience sampling method as he is only approaching individuals who happen to be wearing glasses and are outside the discount store. This method is not representative of the entire population and may lead to biased results.

Question 19

Which type of sample involves selecting elements in the sample bases on the researcher deciding which elements should be included in the sample?

Accepted Answer

A judgment sample involves the researcher using their judgement to select elements that they believe are representative of the population. This can potentially introduce bias into the sample, but it may be necessary in situations where other sampling techniques are not feasible. Simple random sampling involves choosing elements at random without any bias, cluster sampling involves dividing the population into clusters and then randomly selecting clusters to sample from, and quota sampling involves selecting elements based on predetermined quotas for certain characteristics. A biased sample is one that is not representative of the population due to some form of bias in the sampling process.

Question 20

A judgment sample is sometimes referred to as a _____ sample.

Accepted Answer

A judgment sample is a non-random sampling technique where the researcher selects the sample based on their judgment or expertise about the specific characteristics needed for the study. It is also sometimes referred to as a purposive sample since the researcher has a specific purpose or objective in mind when selecting the sample. Quota sampling involves selecting a sample with specific demographics and is not the same as judgment sampling. Multistage sampling involves multiple stages of sampling to reach the final sample, and referral sampling involves selecting participants who refer others to the study. Bias is not a type of sampling method.

Quiz 7: Sampling Approaches and Considerations