Question 1

In a proportional stratified sample, the sample size for each stratum is allocated according to analytical considerations.

Accepted Answer

In a proportional stratified sample, the sample size for each stratum is allocated based on the proportion of the population that each stratum represents, not based on analytical considerations.

Question 2

Population is a subset of a sample.

Accepted Answer

The sample is a subset of the population.

Question 3

A census is always more accurate than a sample study.

Accepted Answer

A census, while comprehensive, can suffer from nonresponse, misreporting, and logistical errors, whereas a well-designed sample study can often provide highly accurate estimates with controlled and understood margins of error.

Question 4

One potential source of sample selection error is the discrepancy between the definition of the population and the sampling frame.

Accepted Answer

If the sampling frame doesn't accurately represent the population of interest, any sample drawn from it will not be representative and may contain bias leading to sample selection error.

Question 5

In purposive sampling, additional respondents are obtained from initial respondent referrals.

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling involves selecting specific individuals based on certain criteria, not through referrals, which is characteristic of snowball sampling.

Question 6

Conducting a census of a large population introduces a greater likelihood of random sampling errors.

Accepted Answer

A census involves collecting data from every member of the population, not a sample, so random sampling errors do not occur. Sampling errors occur in sample surveys, not censuses.

Question 7

A mechanism for defining which elements from a target population are available for selection is called sampling frame.

Accepted Answer

This is correct, a sampling frame is used to define which elements from a target population are available for selection.

Question 8

Non-sampling errors are errors resulting from aspects of the research that cannot be controlled.

Accepted Answer

Non-sampling errors result from the survey process itself, such as measurement errors, data processing errors, or biases in response, not from uncontrollable aspects of the research.

Question 9

The first stage of selecting a sample is to decide whether to use a probability or nonprobability sampling method.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The first stage of selecting a sample...

Question 10

In cluster sampling, the cluster should be homogeneous, to ensure consistency in characteristics and attitudes.

Accepted Answer

In cluster sampling, the cluster does not have to be homogeneous. However, it is important to ensure that each cluster is representative of the population being studied.

Question 11

In stratified sampling, the stratification variables are usually metric (continuous) in nature.

Accepted Answer

The stratification variables in stratified sampling can be either metric or categorical in nature.

Question 12

Random sampling errors and systematic errors related to the sampling process can combine to produce a sample that is not representative of the population of interest.

Accepted Answer

Random sampling errors are due to chance variations in the sample while systematic errors are due to flaws in the sampling process. When these two types of errors occur together, they can result in a biased or non-representative sample.

Question 13

Sampling involves using data from the whole target population to draw conclusions about certain population elements.

Accepted Answer

Sampling involves selecting a portion or subset of the population, not using data from the whole target population.

Question 14

Cluster sampling is frequently used when lists of the sample population are not available.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Cluster sampling involves dividing a population into smaller groups (clusters) and then randomly selecting clusters to include in the sample. It is useful when lists of the whole population are not available, such as in large geographic areas or in certain types of surveys.

Question 15

A complete group of entities that share some common set of characteristics is called a sample.

Accepted Answer

This is incorrect. The correct term for a group of entities that share some common set of characteristics is a population, not a sample. A sample is a subset of the population that is selected for research or study.

Question 16

When conducting telephone surveys, randomly selecting contacts (for example, from the White Pages) helps to eliminate sampling frame errors.

Accepted Answer

Randomly selecting contacts from the White Pages does not eliminate sampling frame errors as the White Pages only include listed phone numbers and do not include unlisted numbers or cellphone numbers. This can result in a biased or incomplete sample.

Question 17

In a cluster sample, the primary sampling unit is the individual element in the population.

Accepted Answer

In a cluster sample, the primary sampling unit is a group or cluster of elements in the population, not individual elements. The group or cluster is randomly selected and all elements within the selected group or cluster are included in the sample.

Question 18

As sample size increases, systematic sampling error decreases.

Accepted Answer

Systematic sampling error is not affected by sample size because it is related to the method of selection, not the size of the sample.

Question 19

The accuracy of probability samples depends on the accuracy of the sampling frame.

Accepted Answer

The accuracy of a probability sample depends on the extent to which the sampling frame includes all members of the target population. If the sampling frame is incomplete, inaccurate, or biased, it can lead to a sampling error and lower the accuracy of the sample results. Therefore, the quality of the sampling frame is a crucial factor in ensuring the representativeness and reliability of the probability sample.

Question 20

Convenience sampling is also called accidental sampling.

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling is also known as accidental sampling because the samples are selected based on their convenient availability to the researcher, rather than through a random selection process.

Quiz 10: Sampling: Sample Design and Sample Size