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Ch. 1 - Introduction to Statistics
Triola - Elementary Statistics 14th Edition
Triola14th EditionElementary StatisticsISBN: 9780137366446Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 1.RE.5b

Sampling For each of the following, identify the term that best describes the type of sample: systematic, convenience, stratified, cluster, or simple random sample.


b. To test for a gender difference in the way that men and women make online purchases, Gallup surveys 500 randomly selected men and 500 randomly selected women.

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1
Understand the problem: We need to identify the type of sampling method used in the given scenario where Gallup surveys 500 randomly selected men and 500 randomly selected women to test for gender differences in online purchasing behavior.
Review the definitions of sampling methods: Systematic sampling involves selecting every nth individual, convenience sampling involves selecting individuals who are easiest to reach, stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups and sampling from each subgroup, cluster sampling involves dividing the population into clusters and sampling entire clusters, and simple random sampling involves selecting individuals randomly from the entire population.
Analyze the scenario: In this case, the population is divided into two distinct subgroups based on gender (men and women). From each subgroup, a random sample of 500 individuals is selected.
Identify the sampling method: Since the population is divided into subgroups (strata) and random samples are taken from each subgroup, this method aligns with the definition of stratified sampling.
Conclude: The sampling method used in this scenario is stratified sampling, as it involves dividing the population into strata (men and women) and taking random samples from each stratum.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Stratified Sampling

Stratified sampling involves dividing a population into subgroups, or strata, that share similar characteristics, and then taking a random sample from each stratum. This method ensures that each subgroup is adequately represented in the sample, which can lead to more accurate and reliable results. In the given question, the population is divided into two strata: men and women, and a random sample is taken from each.
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Sampling Distribution of Sample Proportion

Random Selection

Random selection is a process used in sampling where each member of a population has an equal chance of being chosen. This method helps to eliminate bias and ensures that the sample is representative of the entire population. In the context of the question, 500 men and 500 women are randomly selected, ensuring that the sample is unbiased and representative of the gender groups.
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Intro to Random Variables & Probability Distributions

Sampling Bias

Sampling bias occurs when certain members of a population are more likely to be included in a sample than others, leading to a sample that is not representative of the population. Stratified sampling, as used in the question, helps to minimize sampling bias by ensuring that distinct subgroups (men and women) are proportionally represented, thus providing a more accurate reflection of the population's characteristics.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

State Populations Currently, California has the largest population with 39,776,830 residents, and Wyoming has the smallest population with 573,520 residents.


e. If we randomly select two states and survey all of their adult residents, what type of sample is obtained? (random, systematic, convenience, stratified, cluster)

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Textbook Question

Paying for First Dates USA Today posted this question on the electronic version of its newspaper: “Should guys pay for the first date?” Of the 1148 subjects who decided to respond, 85% of them said “yes.”


a. What is wrong with this survey?

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Textbook Question

Divorces and Margarine One study showed that there is a very high correlation between the divorce rate in Maine and per capita consumption of margarine in the United States. Can we conclude that either one of those two variables is the cause of the other?

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Textbook Question

Reported Versus Measured In a survey of 1046 adults conducted by Bradley Corporation, subjects were asked how often they wash their hands when using a public restroom, and 70% of the respondents said “always.”


a) Identify the sample and the population.

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Textbook Question

State Populations Currently, California has the largest population with 39,776,830 residents, and Wyoming has the smallest population with 573,520 residents.


d. If we randomly select 50 full-time workers in each of the 50 states, what type of sample is obtained? (random, systematic, convenience, stratified, cluster)

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Textbook Question

Sampling Method Assume that the population consists of all students currently in your statistics class. Describe how to obtain a sample of six students so that the result is a sample of the given type.


a. Simple random sample

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