Question 1

Drawing a judgmental sample:
A)allows researchers to use their prior knowledge about the population.
B)enlists the aid of uninformed respondents.
C)results in a sample that has no researcher bias.
D)ensures a representative sample.
E)requires the development of a quota matrix.

Accepted Answer

Drawing a judgmental sample allows researchers to utilize their prior knowledge about the population, which can aid in selecting a sample that is representative of the population. However, this method can also introduce bias if the researcher's prior knowledge is not accurate.

Question 2

The unit about which information is collected and that provides the basis of analysis is called a(n):
A)universe.
B)sampling unit.
C)statistic.
D)sampling frame.
E)element.

Accepted Answer

The unit about which information is collected and that provides the basis of analysis is called an element.

Question 3

Every kth element in a list is chosen for inclusion in the sample in:
A)simple random sampling.
B)systematic sampling.
C)disproportionate sampling.
D)cluster sampling.
E)stratified sampling.

Accepted Answer

Systematic sampling involves choosing every kth element from a list, making it the best choice for this scenario. Simple random sampling involves choosing a random subset from the list, and disproportionate, cluster, and stratified sampling all have different methods for selecting elements beyond simply choosing every kth one.

Question 4

A sampling interval of 5 was used to select a sample from a population of 1000.How many elements are to be in the sample?
A)5
B)50
C)100
D)200
E)1000

Accepted Answer

The answer of A sampling interval of 5 was used...

Question 5

You want to examine the relationship between family size and family cohesion.You use as your sample all the students in your research methods class.What kind of sampling design are you using?
A)Simple random sampling
B)Quota sampling
C)Cluster sampling
D)Stratified sampling
E)Reliance on available subjects

Accepted Answer

This is an example of reliance on available subjects because the sample is restricted to the students in the research methods class rather than being randomly selected from the population of interest.

Question 6

Disproportionate sampling and weighting are used by the researcher:
A)to ensure a sufficient number of cases in each of the sample subpopulations.
B)to give a proportionate representation to each sample element.
C)to provide a representative picture of the total population.
D)to handle situations involving the errors and approximation that are often inherent in complex,multistage designs.
E)to ensure a sufficient number of cases in each of the sample subpopulations;to give a proportionate representation to each sample element;to provide a representative picture of the total population;and to handle situations involving the errors and approximation that are often inherent in complex,multistage designs.

Accepted Answer

Disproportionate sampling is employed when the subpopulations have distinctive characteristics and their representation in the sample is crucial. Weighting is used to adjust for any imbalances in the sample composition, ensuring that each sample element is given the appropriate level of representation. These techniques are aimed at providing more precise estimates of population parameters and reducing bias in the sample. The ultimate goal is to achieve a representative picture of the total population despite the inherent complexities and challenges in the design of the study.

Question 7

After taking a random start between 1 and 20 and then taking every 20th element from the sampling frame,Smith learned that 40% of the sample believed the company's president was doing a good job.The calculated standard error was 3 percent.This means that:
A)between 37% and 43% of the employees believe the president is doing a good job.
B)you are 95% certain that between 37% and 43% of the employees believe the president is doing a good job.
C)you are 68% certain that between 37% and 43% of the employees believe the president is doing a good job.
D)you are 99% certain that between 37% and 43% of the employees believe the president is doing a good job.
E)none of these choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

The standard error of 3 percent around a sample proportion of 40% suggests a 68% confidence interval (one standard deviation from the mean in a normal distribution) for the true proportion, which would be between 37% (40%-3%) and 43% (40%+3%).

Question 8

is the general term for samples selected in accord with probability theory.
A)Probability sampling
B)Nonprobability sampling
C)Correlation
D)Theory
E)Snowball sampling

Accepted Answer

Probability sampling refers to a method of sampling where every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected. The sample is selected in accordance with probability theory, making it representative of the population and reducing bias in the selection process.

Question 9

A summary description of a given variable in a survey sample is called a:
A)variable.
B)parameter.
C)confidence level.
D)confidence interval.
E)statistic.

Accepted Answer

A summary description of a variable in a survey sample is a statistic, which is a numerical summary of the sample data. Parameters are summary descriptions of the entire population, not just the sample. Confidence level and confidence interval are related to estimating parameters, not describing variables in a sample.

Question 10

A researcher who uses a list of registered voters as a sampling frame,and selects every 5^thperson on the randomized list is engaging in what kind of sampling? A)Systematic B)Stratified C)Simple random D)Quota E)Multistage cluster

Accepted Answer

The researcher is selecting every 5th person on the randomized list, which is an example of systematic sampling. This is a type of probability sampling where the sampling frame is divided into intervals, and every nth item within each interval is selected for inclusion in the sample.

Question 11

Dr.Chang is conducting a research study of undergraduate students at her college.She wants to ensure an equal number of students from each grade level,so she uses the list of all students provided by the registrar's office.From each list,she randomly selects 50 students from each group.What strategy of sampling is Dr.Chang using?
A)Simple random sampling
B)Quota sampling
C)Cluster sampling
D)Stratified sampling
E)Accidental sampling

Accepted Answer

Dr. Chang is using stratified sampling because she is dividing the population into strata based on grade level and then randomly selecting the same number of students from each stratum. This ensures that each stratum is represented equally in the sample.

Question 12

Dr.Smith is instructing his graduate students to put together a sample for an upcoming research study of college students.The graduate students were asked to stand outside of the student union to solicit participants,finding 50 freshmen,50 sophomore,50 juniors,and 50 seniors.What sort of sampling method is being used?
A)Simple random sampling
B)Quota sampling
C)Cluster sampling
D)Stratified sampling
E)Accidental sampling

Accepted Answer

Quota sampling is being used because the researchers are selecting a specific number of participants from each class year (freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors) to meet predetermined quotas.

Question 13

The chief aim of probability sampling is to be able to select:
A)a sample whose parameters are representative of an unknown population parameter.
B)a sample whose statistics will accurately portray an unknown population parameter.
C)a sample whose parameters will accurately portray an unknown population statistic.
D)a sample whose statistics will accurately portray a known population parameter.
E)a sample whose unknown statistics will accurately portray a known parameter.

Accepted Answer

The main goal of probability sampling is to select a sample whose statistics (e.g., mean, proportion) will accurately represent or estimate the corresponding parameters (e.g., population mean, population proportion) of the entire population, even when those population parameters are unknown.

Question 14

In general,as sample size increases:
A)the standard error increases in size.
B)the standard error decreases in size.
C)the standard error will remain the same regardless of changes in sample size.
D)the standard error is a constant.
E)the standard error fluctuates in size.

Accepted Answer

As the sample size increases, the standard error decreases in size. This is because a larger sample size provides more information and reduces the variability of the sample mean, resulting in a more accurate estimate of the population mean.

Question 15

To ensure a sufficient number of cases from strata of varying sizes,researchers use:
A)simple random sampling.
B)systematic sampling.
C)proportionate sampling.
D)disproportionate sampling.
E)quota sampling.

Accepted Answer

Disproportionate sampling allows researchers to deliberately oversample from smaller strata, ensuring a sufficient number of cases for analysis. This provides better precision and accuracy for estimates within each stratum.

Question 16

Stratifying a population prior to drawing a sample:
A)generally occurs when the variables used to stratify are known to be associated with the dependent variable.
B)eliminates the need for simple random sampling.
C)is most useful for studying a homogeneous population.
D)eliminates the need for probability sampling.
E)is an alternative systematic sampling.

Accepted Answer

Stratifying a population prior to drawing a sample is generally done when the researcher knows that certain variables are associated with the dependent variable. By stratifying, the researcher can ensure that the sample includes proportional representation of participants with varying levels of the stratification variable. This increases the precision of the sample and can reduce sampling error. Eliminating simple random sampling or probability sampling is not the purpose of stratification. Stratification is also useful for studying populations that are diverse, not homogenous. Systematic sampling is a different sampling technique altogether.

Question 17

Probability samples are advantageous to the researcher because:
A)the method by which they are selected limits conscious and unconscious sampling bias.
B)the accuracy or representativeness of the sample can be estimated.
C)they are perfectly representative of the population from which they are drawn.
D)all of these choices indicate the advantages of probability sampling.
E)the method by which they are selected limits conscious and unconscious sampling bias and the accuracy or representativeness of the sample can be estimated.

Accepted Answer

Probability samples are advantageous to the researcher because the method by which they are selected limits conscious and unconscious sampling bias and the accuracy or representativeness of the sample can be estimated. Option (D) is also correct but includes the unnecessary statement "they are perfectly representative of the population from which they are drawn" which is not always true, as even probability samples have sampling error. Therefore, option (E) is the best choice as it provides a more precise and accurate description of the advantages of probability sampling.

Question 18

Nonprobability sampling:
A)always produces samples that possess distorted characteristics relative to the population.
B)denies the researcher the use of statistical theory to estimate the probability of correct inferences.
C)should never be used under any circumstances.
D)includes stratified sampling.
E)requires the use of sampling frames.

Accepted Answer

Nonprobability sampling does not allow researchers to use statistical theory to estimate the probability of correct inferences because it does not involve random selection. This means that the results may not be generalizable to the broader population.

Question 19

In terms of probability theory,the standard error is valuable because:
A)it is an estimate of the parameter.
B)it permits us to estimate the degree of error to be expected in a sample design.
C)it indicates the extent to which the sample estimates will be distributed around the population parameter.
D)it is an estimate of the parameter and it permits us to estimate the degree of error to be expected in a sample design.
E)it permits us to estimate the degree of error to be expected in a sample design and it indicates the extent to which the sample estimates will be distributed around the population parameter.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In terms of probability theory,the standard error...

Question 20

You are doing research on hospital personnel-orderlies,technicians,nurses,and doctors.You want to be sure you draw a sample that has cases in each of the personnel categories.You want to use probability sampling.An appropriate strategy would be:
A)simple random sampling.
B)quota sampling.
C)cluster sampling.
D)stratified sampling.
E)accidental sampling.

Accepted Answer

Stratified sampling allows for the researcher to divide the population into subgroups based on certain characteristics, in this case hospital personnel categories. By selecting a random sample from each stratum or personnel category, the researcher can ensure that the sample includes cases from each personnel category. This method ensures representation from all categories and allows for generalization to the larger population of hospital personnel.

Quiz 7: The Logic of Sampling

Drawing a judgmental sample:

The unit about which information is collected and that provides the basis of analysis is called a(n) :

Every kth element in a list is chosen for inclusion in the sample in:

A sampling interval of 5 was used to select a sample from a population of 1000.How many elements are to be in the sample?

You want to examine the relationship between family size and family cohesion.You use as your sample all the students in your research methods class.What kind of sampling design are you using?

Disproportionate sampling and weighting are used by the researcher:

After taking a random start between 1 and 20 and then taking every 20th element from the sampling frame,Smith learned that 40% of the sample believed the company's president was doing a good job.The calculated standard error was 3 percent.This means that:

is the general term for samples selected in accord with probability theory.

A summary description of a given variable in a survey sample is called a:

A researcher who uses a list of registered voters as a sampling frame,and selects every 5^thperson on the randomized list is engaging in what kind of sampling?

The chief aim of probability sampling is to be able to select:

In general,as sample size increases:

To ensure a sufficient number of cases from strata of varying sizes,researchers use:

Stratifying a population prior to drawing a sample:

Probability samples are advantageous to the researcher because:

Nonprobability sampling:

In terms of probability theory,the standard error is valuable because:

You are doing research on hospital personnel-orderlies,technicians,nurses,and doctors.You want to be sure you draw a sample that has cases in each of the personnel categories.You want to use probability sampling.An appropriate strategy would be: