Identify the sampling techniques used, and discuss potential sources of bias (if
ID: 2930226 • Letter: I
Question
Identify the sampling techniques used, and discuss potential sources of bias (if any). Explain. Assume the population of interest is the student body at a university.
Questioning students as they leave a university librarya university library, a researcher asks 351 students about their eating habits.
What type of sampling is used?
A.Cluster sampling is used, because students are divided into groups, groups are chosen at random, and every student in one of those groups is sampled.
B.Simple random sampling is used, because students are chosen at random.
C.Systematic sampling is used, because students are selected from a list, with a fixed interval between students on the list.
D.Convenience sampling is used, because students are chosen due to convenience of location.
E.Stratified sampling is used, because students are divided into groups, and students are chosen at random from these groups.
What potential sources of bias are present, if any? Select all that apply.
A.The sample only consists of members of the population that are easy to get. These members may not be representative of the population.
B.University students may not be representative of all people in their age group.
C.Because of the personal nature of the question, students may not answer honestly.
D.There are no potential sources of bias.
Explanation / Answer
Cluster sampling design is a type of sampling where entire groups, or clusters are chosen at random. Cluster sampling is used as a matter of convinience. Systematic sampling is a process where sample is drawn seleceting individuals systematically from a sampling frame. Convinience sampling refer to sampling process where sample consists of individuals who are conviniently available. Stratified sampling is a process where, population is divided into several subpopulation or strata and random samples are drawn from each strata. Since, students were selected for survey at a location convinient to the reseracher (here, library), thus, convinience sampling is used. Option D.
Potential sources of bias might be due to easily available samples, who might not represent the population correctly. Since, question is about revealing preference of personal food type, student might be inclined to social desirability. Thus, students may not answer honestly. Option A and C.