In reference to sampling error, which of the following statements is valid?
A) The smaller the sample, the less sampling error.
B) Sampling error is an inverse function of sample size.
C) Inferential statistics are addressed to sampling and non-sampling errors.
D) Random assignment ensures no sampling error.

Question

In reference to sampling error, which of the following statements is valid?​
A) ​The smaller the sample, the less sampling error.
B) ​Sampling error is an inverse function of sample size.
C) ​Inferential statistics are addressed to sampling and non-sampling errors.
D) ​Random assignment ensures no sampling error.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sampling error is inversely proportional to sample size, meaning that as sample size increases, the sampling error decreases. Therefore, choice B is the valid statement. The other statements are incorrect. The larger the sample, the more representative it is of the population and thus, the lower the sampling error. Inferential statistics only address sampling error, not non-sampling error, which includes measurement error and bias. While random assignment is important in reducing bias, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of sampling error.

In Reference to Sampling Error, Which of the Following Statements