Question

#21 which sampling method requires you to use a table of random numbers or a pocket calculator to generate random numbers? (a) cluster sampling (b) stratified sampling (c) systematic sampling (d) convenience sampling (e) simple random sampling #22 which sampling method will give you the most reliable (i.e. unbiased) sample? (a) cluster sampling (b) stratified sampling (c) systematic sampling (d) convenience sampling (e) simple random sampling

Explanation:

[#21]

To determine the sampling method that uses a table of random numbers or a calculator to generate random numbers, we analyze each option:

• Option A (Cluster sampling): Involves dividing the population into clusters and sampling entire clusters. Does not require random number generation for selection within clusters in the same way.
• Option B (Stratified sampling): Divides the population into strata and samples from each stratum. The sampling within strata can be random, but the key here is the method that specifically uses random number generation for selection, and stratified sampling's main focus is on strata division, not the random number generation method described.
• Option C (Systematic sampling): Selects every k-th element from a list. It uses a fixed interval, not random number generation.
• Option D (Convenience sampling): Uses easily accessible samples, no random number generation.
• Option E (Simple random sampling): Requires randomly selecting elements from the population, which can be done using a table of random numbers or a calculator to generate random numbers for selection.

To find the most reliable (unbiased) sampling method, we analyze each option:

• Option A (Cluster sampling): Can be biased if clusters are not representative of the population.
• Option B (Stratified sampling): Improves representativeness by sampling from strata, but simple random sampling is more fundamental in terms of unbiasedness.
• Option C (Systematic sampling): Can be biased if there is a pattern in the population list that aligns with the sampling interval.
• Option D (Convenience sampling): Is highly biased as it uses easily available samples.
• Option E (Simple random sampling): Gives every element in the population an equal chance of being selected, minimizing bias and providing a reliable, unbiased sample.

Answer:

E. Simple random sampling

[#22]