Chapter 6—Data collection and sampling
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. When every possible sample of size n has the same chance of being selected, this is called:
A.
simple random sampling.
B.
stratified random sampling.
C.
cluster sampling.
D.
sampling error.
2. When the population is divided into mutually exclusive sets, and then a simple random sample is
drawn from each set, this is called:
A.
simple random sampling.
B.
stratified random sampling.
C.
cluster sampling.
D.
selection bias.
3. Which of the following is an example of nonsampling errors?
A.
Errors that arise from the recording of incorrect responses.
B.
Errors that arise when responses are not obtained from some members of the sample.
C.
Errors that arise when some members of the target population cannot possibly be selected
in the sample.
D.
All of the above are examples of nonsampling errors.
4. The difference between a sample standard deviation and the population standard deviation is called:
A.
nonsampling error.
B.
nonresponse error.
C.
selection bias.
D.
sampling error.
5. A professor of economics intends to compare the performances of first year students at the four
campuses of the university. In order to do so, she selects a random sample 40 students from each
campus. What is this type of sampling called?
A.
Stratified random sampling.
B.
Simple random sampling.
C.
Cluster sampling.
D.
None of the above.
6. Which of the following does not characterise stratified random sampling?
A.
The population is divided into strata that are distinct.
B.
The population is divided into strata that are mutually exclusive and exhaustive.
C.
The population is divided into strata that are homogenous.
D.
Nonrandom sampling is used.
7. Which of the following sampling plans does not use random methods of selection?
A.
Simple random sampling.
B.
Stratified random sampling.
C.
Cluster sampling.
D.
None of the above.
8. Which of the following is not an example of primary data?
A.
Data published by the United States Bureau of Census.
B.
Data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
C.
Data published by the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).
D.
Data published by the United Nations Statistical Division.
9. Which of the following must be avoided in designing a questionnaire?
A.
Dichotomous questions.
B.
Leading questions.
C.
Open-ended questions.
D.
Demographic questions.
SHORT ANSWER
1. A politician wants to estimate the mean age of voters in her electorate. Unfortunately, she does not
have a complete list of voters. Describe a sampling plan that would be suitable for her purposes.
2. A customer advocacy group would like to compare customers’ satisfaction with four financial
institutions. Describe a sampling plan that would be suitable for studying customers’ satisfaction and
for comparing the banks.
3. Briefly describe three types of nonsampling errors.
4. Describe the difference between an observational study and an experimental study.
5. What is meant by the term self-selected sample? Why are self-selected samples not desirable?