Question

which of the following is the best way of selecting a random sample from students at xyz middle school? use the student directory, toss a number cube, start from that name, and select every tenth person. pick every tenth person who arrives at school by bus. use the student directory, pick one students name by chance, and then pick another students name. select every student from one grade.

Explanation:

A random sample should give every member of the population an equal chance of being selected. Using the student - directory and rolling a number cube to start and then selecting every tenth person gives each student an equal probability of being chosen. Picking students based on how they arrive at school (like by bus) is a biased sample as it only includes students who take the bus. Picking just two names randomly may not be representative. Selecting all students from one grade is not random as it only focuses on one grade and excludes others.

Answer:

Use the student directory, toss a number cube, start from that name, and select every tenth person.