Random Sampling

The project manager at a new business inspects every tenth smart phone produced to check that it is operating correctly.

Classify the sample that was used. 

• systematic

• stratified

• self-selected

• convenience

• simple random

Administrators at a community library want to know the type of materials patrons are most likely to use. Every Friday, they record the type of media each patron uses.

Classify the sample that was used.

• systematic

• stratified

• self-selected

• convenience

• simple random

To determine whether the school should purchase new computer software, the technology team divides a group of 50 students into two groups by age. Half of the students from each age group are randomly selected to complete an activity using the current computer software, and the other half of the students from each group complete the same activity using the new computer software. The students’ actions are recorded and analyzed.

Classify the sample that was used. 

• systematic

• stratified

• self-selected

• convenience

• simple random

To determine the music preferences of their customers, the manager of a music store selected 10 customers in the store to participate in an interview.

Classify the sample that was used. 

• systematic

• stratified

• self-selected

• convenience

• simple random

A restaurant manager wants to conduct a survey to determine what new food items to include on the restaurant’s menu.

Classify the sample that was used. 

• systematic

• stratified

• self-selected

• convenience

• simple random

A random sample of eight people is asked to select their favorite food for a survey about Americans’ food preferences.

Identify each sample or question as biased or unbiased.

• unbiased

• biased

Every tenth student at band camp is asked to name his or her favorite band for a survey about the campers.

Identify each sample or question as biased or unbiased. 

• unbiased

• biased

Don’t you agree that students should pack their lunch?

Identify each sample or question as biased or unbiased. 

• unbiased

• biased

An online video streaming service mails a questionnaire to randomly selected people across the country to determine whether they prefer streaming movies or sports.

Determine whether the situation describes a survey, experiment, or an observational study.

• experimental study

• observational study

• survey

Administrators at a community library want to know the type of materials patrons are most likely to use. Every Friday, they record the type of media each patron uses.

Determine whether the situation describes a survey, experiment, or an observational study.

• experimental study

• observational study

• survey