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Random sampling methods

Learning goals

  • Distinguishes random sampling from convenience or voluntary-response methods.
  • Describes how to choose a simple random sample.
  • Describes how to choose a stratified random sample.
  • Describes how to choose a cluster sample.
  • Explains how random sampling supports generalization to a population.
  • Identifies undercoverage, nonresponse, voluntary-response, and convenience bias.
  • Distinguishes simple random, stratified and cluster sampling.

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Random sampling methods 1
A researcher needs a sample of distinct employees from a company roster. A random number generator selects an employee number, and the selected number is returned to the pool before the next draw. Explain why this procedure does not meet the goal and state the needed change.

Hints

- Compare the stated goal with what can happen after a selected number is returned. - Ask whether a sampled unit can appear more than once. - State the selection rule that prevents duplicates.

Solution

1. Returning each selected number allows the same employee to be chosen more than once. 2. The goal requires distinct employees, so repeated selections are not acceptable. 3. Sampling should be done without replacement.

Answer

The procedure samples with replacement, so one employee could appear multiple times. The researcher should sample without replacement so each selected employee can be chosen only once.
Random sampling methods 2
A manufacturer destructively tests light bulbs selected from one production lot. Should the bulbs be sampled with replacement or without replacement? Explain the practical and statistical reason.

Hints

- Consider what happens to a unit after it is measured. - Ask whether the same physical unit could be selected again. - Match the sampling rule to the requirement for distinct units.

Solution

1. A destructively tested bulb cannot be returned to the production lot for another selection. 2. The sample should therefore be taken without replacement. 3. Without replacement also ensures that the sample consists of distinct bulbs rather than allowing one unit to be selected repeatedly.

Answer

Sample without replacement. Each tested bulb is destroyed and cannot be selected again, and the resulting sample should contain distinct bulbs from the lot.
Random sampling methods 3
A population contains five labeled units. Unit A is selected first. Compare the probability that Unit A can be selected on the second draw when sampling with replacement and without replacement.

Hints

- Ask whether the selected unit returns to the population. - Determine which units are available before the second draw. - Recalculate probabilities using the units that remain.

Solution

1. With replacement, Unit A is returned before the second draw, so its probability is \(\frac{1}{5}\). 2. Without replacement, Unit A is not returned, so its probability of appearing on the second draw is \(0\). 3. The remaining four units each have conditional probability \(\frac{1}{4}\) on the second draw without replacement.

Answer

With replacement, Unit A has probability \(\frac{1}{5}\) of being selected again. Without replacement, its probability is \(0\).
Random sampling methods 4
A small gallery has records for every artwork sold during one month and wants the mean sale price for that month. Should it take a sample or conduct a census? Justify.

Hints

- Compare the target population with the available records. - Ask whether every observational unit can be included. - Decide whether estimation from a subset is necessary.

Solution

1. Complete records are available for every artwork in the target population. 2. The target population is limited to sales during one month. 3. Using all records is a census and gives the exact population mean for that month. 4. Sampling is unnecessary unless cost or data quality creates a reason not to use all records.

Answer

Use a census of all artworks sold during the month. The full data are available, so the gallery can calculate the exact mean sale price for that population.
Random sampling methods 5
Two plans are proposed for choosing \(8\) students from a roster of \(80\). Plan A: Put all \(80\) names on identical slips, mix them thoroughly, and draw \(8\) slips without replacement. Plan B: Split the roster into the first \(40\) names and the last \(40\) names, flip a fair coin to choose one half, and then take the first \(8\) names from that half. Both plans use chance. Which plan produces a simple random sample of \(8\) students? Explain using the defining property of an SRS.

Hints

- Do not decide only from the fact that both plans use chance. - Ask whether every possible group of \(8\) students could be the final sample. - Compare the set of possible samples under the two plans.

Solution

1. In an SRS of \(8\), every possible group of \(8\) students must have the same chance to be selected. 2. In Plan A, drawing \(8\) well-mixed slips without replacement gives every group of \(8\) students the same chance. 3. In Plan B, only two fixed groups of \(8\) students can ever be selected; most groups of \(8\) have probability \(0\). 4. Therefore, Plan A produces an SRS of \(8\), but Plan B does not.

Answer

Plan A produces an SRS of \(8\). Plan B does not, because most possible groups of \(8\) students can never be selected.
Random sampling methods 6
A high school numbers its \(400\) students from \(1\) to \(400\). One plan shuffles all \(400\) numbers and chooses the first \(20\). Another plan surveys the \(20\) students nearest the school office. Which plan gives every group of \(20\) students an equal chance of being selected? Explain.

Hints

- Can a student far from the office be chosen by the second method? - Could the computer select any group of the stated size? - Compare the chances of different possible groups, not just the number selected.

Solution

1. The computer can choose any group of \(20\) different student numbers, and each possible group is equally likely. 2. Choosing the students nearest the office gives other students no chance of being selected. 3. The computer method is a simple random sample; the office method is a convenience sample.

Answer

The computer method. It gives every possible group of \(20\) students the same chance; the office method excludes students farther from the office.
Random sampling methods 7
A pottery studio draws names from a bowl to choose three members for a workshop. Each of its \(12\) members has one identical slip, except Riley has two. The slips are mixed and three are drawn. Is this a simple random sample of three different members? What should the studio change?

Hints

- Could the same person's name appear more than once among the three slips? - Would a member with two slips have the same chance as someone with one? - What is the smallest change to the slips that would make the draw fair?

Solution

1. Riley has two chances to be drawn when everyone else has one, so different possible groups of members do not have equal chances. 2. Riley could even be drawn twice, leaving fewer than three different people. 3. Use exactly one slip for each member, mix thoroughly, and draw three without replacement.

Answer

No. Riley has two slips and could be chosen twice. Give each member one identical slip, then mix and draw three without replacement.
Random sampling methods 8
A community center uses the selection plan below to survey members. Is it stratified or cluster sampling? Explain the key difference.
Figure for problem 563339

Hints

- Does the plan include people from each age group? - Does it survey all members of any one group? - Compare the roles of groups in stratified and cluster sampling.

Solution

1. The center separates members into age groups. 2. It randomly selects some individuals within every group rather than taking everyone in only selected groups. 3. This is stratified sampling.

Answer

Stratified sampling. The center samples members from every age group; cluster sampling would select whole groups and survey everyone in those selected groups.
Random sampling methods 9
A school district wants a sample of students from each grade level in proportion to that grade's enrollment. The district separates the student roster by grade and, within each grade, uses a random number generator to select a number of students proportional to that grade's enrollment. Identify the sampling method and explain why it fits the goal.

Hints

- Notice whether entire groups are selected or individuals are selected within every group. - Ask what characteristic is used to divide the population. - Connect the sample size from each group to that group's share of the population.

Solution

1. The population is divided into nonoverlapping groups based on grade level. 2. A random sample is selected within every group. 3. This is a stratified random sample with proportional allocation. Selecting sample sizes in proportion to grade enrollment makes the sample's grade distribution match the population's grade distribution.

Answer

A stratified random sample with proportional allocation. Grade levels are the strata, students are randomly selected within each stratum, and each grade's sample size is proportional to its enrollment.
Random sampling methods 10
A city divides its residential area into neighborhood blocks. It randomly selects twelve blocks and surveys every occupied household on those blocks. Identify the sampling method and describe the role of the blocks.

Hints

- Determine whether individuals or whole groups are randomly selected. - Check what happens to every member of a selected group. - Name the groups used in the sampling plan.

Solution

1. Entire blocks are selected at random. 2. Every occupied household in each selected block is surveyed. 3. This is a cluster random sample, with neighborhood blocks serving as clusters.

Answer

A cluster random sample. The neighborhood blocks are clusters, and all occupied households in the randomly selected clusters are surveyed.
Random sampling methods 11
At a stadium, an analyst chooses a random starting ticket among the first forty scanned and then records every fortieth ticket after that until the desired sample size is reached. Identify the sampling method and name the two features that make it random rather than a convenience sample.

Hints

- Look for a repeated selection pattern. - Identify how the first selected unit is chosen. - Distinguish a fixed rule from selecting nearby or available units.

Solution

1. A random starting position is chosen. 2. Tickets are then selected at a fixed periodic interval. 3. This is a systematic random sample. The random start and the predetermined interval distinguish it from taking whichever tickets are easiest to reach.

Answer

A systematic random sample. Its random start and fixed interval of every fortieth ticket provide the random mechanism.
Random sampling methods 12
A college has \(4000\) commuter students, \(2500\) students in residence halls, and \(1500\) students in nearby apartments. It wants a proportional stratified random sample of \(160\) students based on housing type. How many students should be randomly selected from each stratum?

Hints

- Find each housing group's share of the full student population. - Apply each share to the desired sample size. - Check that the three allocations add to the total sample size.

Solution

1. The total population size is \(4000+2500+1500=8000\). 2. Commuters: \(\frac{4000}{8000}\cdot160=80\). 3. Residence halls: \(\frac{2500}{8000}\cdot160=50\). 4. Nearby apartments: \(\frac{1500}{8000}\cdot160=30\).

Answer

Select \(80\) commuter students, \(50\) residence-hall students, and \(30\) students living in nearby apartments.
Random sampling methods 13
A warehouse has \(2400\) pallets listed in order of arrival and wants a systematic random sample of \(60\) pallets. Determine the sampling interval and describe how to choose the sample.

Hints

- Relate the population size to the requested sample size. - The first selected position must be chosen randomly within one interval. - Apply the same spacing after the random start.

Solution

1. The interval is \(\frac{2400}{60}=40\). 2. Randomly choose a starting position from \(1\) through \(40\). 3. Select that pallet and every fortieth pallet after it until \(60\) pallets are included.

Answer

Use an interval of \(40\). Choose a random start from the first \(40\) pallets, then select every fortieth pallet.
Random sampling methods 14
A food festival ran on \(30\) dates this year. To estimate mean attendance per festival date, an analyst writes each date on an identical slip, mixes the slips thoroughly, and draws \(8\) without replacement. Attendance is counted on those dates. Identify the sampling method and the observational units.

Hints

- What is chosen from the list? - Is the full set of dates available for selection? - Distinguish a date being sampled from visitors counted at that date.

Solution

1. The list contains all \(30\) festival dates. 2. Identical slips and a blind draw give each group of eight dates the same chance, so this is a simple random sample of dates. 3. Each date contributes one attendance count, making festival dates the observational units.

Answer

Method: simple random sample of \(8\) festival dates. Observational units: festival dates, not individual visitors.
Random sampling methods 15
A quality inspector chooses a random start among the first fifty containers on a production line and then inspects every fiftieth container. Identify the sampling method and explain one reason it may be efficient.

Hints

- Look for how the first unit is selected. - Identify the repeated spacing rule. - Connect the orderly sequence to practical data collection.

Solution

1. The plan uses a random starting point and a fixed interval. 2. It is a systematic random sample. 3. It is efficient because the inspector can sample directly from the moving production sequence without constructing and contacting a scattered list of selected containers.

Answer

It is a systematic random sample. The method is efficient because selections are evenly spaced along the production line after one random start.
Random sampling methods 16
A transit authority randomly selects ten bus routes and records every passenger boarding event on those routes during a specified two-hour period. Each boarding event belongs to exactly one route. Identify the sampling method and explain what the clusters are.

Hints

- Identify what is randomly selected first. - Ask whether the units inside each selected group are then all included. - The clusters must form groups to which each recorded boarding event belongs unambiguously.

Solution

1. The population is partitioned by bus route for the stated period, and each boarding event belongs to one route. 2. Entire routes are randomly selected. 3. Every boarding event in each selected route during the period is included. 4. This is cluster random sampling, with bus routes as the clusters.

Answer

It is a cluster random sample. The bus routes are the clusters, and all passenger boarding events on the selected routes during the study period are included.
Random sampling methods 17
A state park counts each visitor's main type of visit as one of three nonoverlapping categories: day trip without camping, overnight camping at a developed site, or an overnight backcountry trip. It randomly samples visitors within each category. Name the sampling method and explain one benefit.

Hints

- Do the categories overlap in the revised design? - Does the sample include visitors from every category or only a few chosen categories? - Why might it help to include less common kinds of visits?

Solution

1. Every visitor belongs to exactly one of the three categories. 2. A random sample is taken within each category, making this stratified random sampling. 3. Taking some visitors from each category ensures that even less common visit types appear in the sample.

Answer

Stratified random sampling. It ensures that each type of park visit is represented in the sample.
Random sampling methods 18
A researcher randomly selects four school districts and surveys every high school teacher in those districts. Another researcher randomly samples teachers within every district. Identify the two methods.

Hints

- Ask whether all districts or only selected districts contribute data. - Determine whether every teacher or only sampled teachers are used within a district. - Name the method based on both group selection and within-group selection.

Solution

1. Randomly selecting some districts and surveying all eligible teachers in them is cluster random sampling. 2. Randomly sampling teachers within every district is stratified random sampling with districts as strata. 3. The distinction is whether only selected groups or all groups contribute individuals.

Answer

The first plan is cluster random sampling. The second plan is stratified random sampling.
Random sampling methods 19
A company has \(1200\) hourly employees and \(800\) salaried employees. It wants a proportional stratified random sample of \(100\) employees. How many should be selected from each employment group?

Hints

- Find each group's fraction of the total workforce. - Apply each fraction to the sample size. - Check that the allocations add to the requested total.

Solution

1. The total number of employees is \(1200+800=2000\). 2. Hourly employees: \(\frac{1200}{2000}\cdot100=60\). 3. Salaried employees: \(\frac{800}{2000}\cdot100=40\).

Answer

Select \(60\) hourly employees and \(40\) salaried employees, using random selection within each group.
Random sampling methods 20
A retailer divides its stores into low-, medium-, and high-sales groups. It randomly samples stores from the low- and high-sales groups but selects none from the medium-sales group, then calls the result a stratified random sample of all stores. Evaluate that claim.

Hints

- Review what must happen inside each stratum. - Check whether every store group has a chance to appear in the final sample. - Decide what population the existing sample could represent without adding another selection step.

Solution

1. A stratified random sample of the full population requires random selection within every stratum. 2. The medium-sales stratum has no chance to contribute stores to the sample. 3. Therefore, the procedure is not a stratified random sample of all stores and cannot represent the full store population without additional sampling from the omitted stratum.

Answer

The claim is incorrect. A stratified random sample must include random selections from every stratum. Because medium-sales stores are omitted, the procedure is not a stratified random sample of all stores.
Random sampling methods 21
A delivery supervisor wants a systematic sample of stops along a circular route. The supervisor always begins with the first stop after the depot and then records every tenth stop. Identify the missing random feature and explain how to correct the procedure.

Hints

- Recall the two defining features of a systematic random sample. - Check whether the starting location is determined by chance. - Keep the interval but change only the feature that is not random.

Solution

1. The fixed interval of ten is present, but the starting position is not random. 2. Always starting after the depot can favor locations tied to a particular part of the route. 3. The supervisor should randomly select one of the first ten stops as the starting point and then include every tenth stop around the route.

Answer

The procedure lacks a random start. Randomly choose one of the first ten stops, then select every tenth stop from that point.
Random sampling methods 22
A committee takes a simple random sample of \(8\) names from a roster of \(50\) eligible volunteers. What is the probability that one specified volunteer is included, and why does the same probability apply to every volunteer?

Hints

- Think of the sample as occupying a fixed number of positions from the full roster. - Use symmetry: no listed volunteer is favored over another. - Compare the number selected with the total number eligible.

Solution

1. An SRS of size \(8\) gives each roster member the same inclusion probability. 2. The probability that a specified volunteer is included is \(\frac{8}{50}=0.16\). 3. The value is the same for every volunteer because the random-selection procedure treats every roster position symmetrically.

Answer

The inclusion probability is \(\frac{8}{50}=0.16\), or \(16\%\). Every volunteer has this same probability because the sample is selected as an SRS from the full roster.
Random sampling methods 23
To estimate daily attendance at a seasonal attraction, an analyst randomly selects six complete weeks from the operating season and records attendance on all seven days of each selected week. Identify the sampling method and the clusters.

Hints

- Identify what is chosen directly by the random process. - Check whether every member of a chosen group is included. - Name the group that contains the individual observational units.

Solution

1. Complete groups of consecutive days are selected rather than individual days from throughout the season. 2. Each week is a cluster. 3. Randomly selecting weeks and including every day in the selected weeks is cluster random sampling.

Answer

This is cluster random sampling. The weeks are the clusters, and all seven days in each selected week are included.
Random sampling methods 24
During a day of warehouse operations, an inspector randomly chooses a starting package among the first \(20\) packages and then inspects every twentieth package until the shift ends. Identify the sampling method and explain why the final sample size is not fixed in advance.

Hints

- Identify the role of the first random choice and the repeated interval. - Determine what event stops the sampling process. - Ask which unknown quantity controls how many selections occur.

Solution

1. The procedure uses a random start and a fixed interval of \(20\), so it is systematic random sampling. 2. The inspector continues until the shift ends. 3. Because the total number of packages processed during the shift is not known in advance and may vary, the number of sampled packages also varies.

Answer

This is systematic random sampling. The final sample size depends on how many packages are processed after the random start before the shift ends, so it is not fixed in advance.
Random sampling methods 25
A database contains customer IDs \(1\) through \(5000\). A programmer uses a random integer command that can return \(1\) through \(4999\), then selects the corresponding IDs. Explain why the procedure is not an SRS from all \(5000\) customers and how to fix it.

Hints

- Compare the database's largest valid ID with the generator's largest possible output. - Identify any customer whose selection probability is zero. - Correct the endpoint and preserve the intended distinct-sample rule.

Solution

1. Customer ID \(5000\) has probability zero of being selected. 2. The other IDs have positive selection probabilities, so customers are not treated equally. 3. Any sample produced by the procedure excludes ID \(5000\) and therefore is not an SRS from the full database. 4. Change the random integer range to include both endpoints \(1\) and \(5000\), and use a proper without-replacement rule for a fixed-size distinct sample.

Answer

The procedure excludes customer \(5000\), so it cannot produce an SRS from all customers. Use a random integer range of \(1\) through \(5000\) and sample without replacement when distinct customers are required.
Random sampling methods 26
A wildlife agency has \(275\) tagged turtles labeled \(001\) through \(275\). To take an SRS of \(5\) turtles, an analyst reads the following three-digit groups from a random-digit source: \(403, 027, 275, 027, 000, 196, 812, 054, 221\). List the selected labels in order and explain each discarded group.

Hints

- Compare each three-digit group with the valid label range. - Keep track of labels that have already been accepted. - Continue reading until five distinct valid labels have been found.

Solution

1. Discard \(403\) because it is outside the label range; select \(027\) and \(275\). 2. Discard the second \(027\) because sampling is without replacement, and discard \(000\) because it is not a label. 3. Select \(196\), discard \(812\) as out of range, and select \(054\) and \(221\). 4. The sample is \(027, 275, 196, 054, 221\).

Answer

The selected labels are \(027, 275, 196, 054, 221\). Discard \(403\) and \(812\) as out of range, the repeated \(027\) because sampling is without replacement, and \(000\) because it is not a valid label.
Random sampling methods 27
A city wants to estimate the mean commute time of its employees. Commute times differ substantially among the city’s five work locations. The city can stratify employees either by work location or by the last digit of employee ID before taking random samples. Which stratification is more useful, and why?

Hints

- Ask which grouping is connected to the variable being estimated. - Consider whether people within each proposed group would tend to have similar responses. - Think about which grouping guarantees representation from meaningful parts of the workforce.

Solution

1. A useful stratification variable forms groups that are internally more similar for the response and meaningfully different from one another. 2. Work location is related to commute time, while the last digit of employee ID has no expected relationship to commute time. 3. Stratifying by work location can ensure representation from every location and can reduce sampling variability.

Answer

Stratify by work location because it is related to commute time. This ensures that every location is represented and can produce a more precise estimate than stratifying by employee ID digit.
Random sampling methods 28
At each stage in the diagram, the next units were selected at random. Name the sampling method. What units were selected in the first stage and the second stage?
Figure for problem 556265

Hints

- Start at the left of the diagram and follow one branch. - Which organizations are chosen first? - Who is selected from within each chosen organization?

Solution

1. The first random selection chooses hospitals from a network. 2. The second random selection chooses individual nurses within the selected hospitals. 3. Random selection happens in two stages, so this is multistage random sampling.

Answer

Multistage random sampling. First-stage units: hospitals. Second-stage units: individual nurses within the selected hospitals.
Random sampling methods 29
A bakery sends a work-schedule survey to every employee at its three shops. The owner calls the returned questionnaires “a census of our employees.” Was the selection plan a census or a random sample? Did the returned questionnaires cover everyone? Include the employee and reply totals in your explanation.
Figure for problem 563340

Hints

- Compare how many people work at the shops with how many replied. - Does inviting everybody mean you have an answer from everybody? - Were the people who answered picked through a random draw?

Solution

1. The three shops have \(12+18+10=40\) employees. 2. Only \(12+16+10=38\) people replied. Two employees from the central shop are missing. 3. The plan attempted a census, not a random sample. The returned questionnaires do not cover everyone because two employees did not respond.

Answer

The selection plan was an attempted census, not a random sample. All \(40\) employees were invited, but only \(38\) replied, so the returned questionnaires do not cover everyone.
Random sampling methods 30
A school labels its \(12\) clubs \(01\) through \(12\). Reading this random-digit list in two-digit groups, choose the first four different valid clubs: \(03, 11, 07, 07, 20, 02, 18, 04\). List the four club numbers in selection order.

Hints

- What two-digit numbers are valid club labels? - Should a club already selected be counted again? - Keep reading until you have four different valid labels.

Solution

1. Accept \(03\), \(11\), and \(07\) because each is between \(01\) and \(12\) and has not been chosen. 2. Skip the repeated \(07\) and out-of-range \(20\). 3. Accept \(02\) as the fourth distinct valid number.

Answer

\(03, 11, 07, 02\).
Random sampling methods 31
A museum numbers its \(200\) member accounts from \(1\) to \(200\) in a fixed list. A clerk selects accounts \(1, 11, 21,\dots\) by taking every tenth entry. What one change would make the starting position random, and why does it matter?

Hints

- How many possible starting positions are there before the pattern repeats? - Does the current plan always begin at the same account? - What role could a random-number generator play?

Solution

1. Select the first position uniformly at random from \(1\) through \(10\). 2. Then take every tenth account starting there. 3. This prevents the clerk from always giving the same positions a chance while excluding the others.

Answer

Randomly choose a start from \(1\) through \(10\), then take every tenth account. A fixed start does not provide the intended random start for systematic sampling.
Random sampling methods 32
A hospital chooses employees at random within each job group, using the numbers in the diagram. Does every employee have the same chance to be selected? Find the selection chance for each job group and explain.
Figure for problem 563343

Hints

- For one job, compare the number selected with the number eligible. - Think of selection chance as a fraction of the job group. - Check whether those fractions agree across the three groups.

Solution

1. For nurses the chance is \(\frac{6}{60}=10\%\). 2. For technicians it is \(\frac{4}{20}=20\%\), and for office staff it is \(\frac{2}{40}=5\%\). 3. The selection chances differ, even though names are chosen at random within each job group.

Answer

No. Nurses: \(10\%\); technicians: \(20\%\); office staff: \(5\%\). These are different chances.
Random sampling methods 33
A state education office randomly selects counties, then schools within those counties, then students within the chosen schools, as shown. Name the sampling method and count the selected counties, schools, and individual students.
Figure for problem 563344

Hints

- Follow one branch from a county to a school to the final selected person. - Count the nodes at each level without counting the root as a selected county. - How is choosing units at several levels different from taking every student in a few whole schools?

Solution

1. Random selection occurs at three different levels, so this is multistage random sampling. 2. There are \(2\) selected counties and \(4\) selected schools, two in each county. 3. Two students are selected in each of the four schools, for \(8\) individual students altogether.

Answer

Multistage random sampling: \(2\) counties, \(4\) schools, and \(8\) individual students.
Random sampling methods 34
A roster contains two hundred numbered students. Plan A uses a random number generator to choose exactly twenty distinct numbers. Plan B independently includes each student with probability \(0.10\), so the final sample size can vary. Which plan produces a simple random sample of size twenty? Explain.

Hints

- Use the full definition, including both equal chances for samples and fixed sample size. - Check whether each plan always returns the requested number of students. - Distinguish a random process from a simple random sample of a stated size.

Solution

1. A simple random sample of size twenty must contain exactly twenty students. 2. Under Plan A, every set of twenty distinct student numbers has the same chance of selection. 3. Plan B does not guarantee a sample size of twenty. 4. Therefore, Plan A produces an SRS of size twenty.

Answer

Plan A. It selects exactly twenty distinct students and gives every possible group of twenty the same chance of being chosen. Plan B is random but is not an SRS of fixed size twenty.
Random sampling methods 35
A high school assigns each student to exactly one mixed-grade advisory group. Each group includes students from several grades and a range of achievement levels. The principal can visit entire groups but cannot easily contact scattered students. Would stratified sampling by grade or cluster sampling by advisory group be more practical? Explain how to select the sample.

Hints

- Which plan lets the principal work with entire groups? - Does each student belong to one or several of the proposed clusters? - To take a cluster sample, what must happen to the students in each chosen group?

Solution

1. The advisory groups do not overlap: every student belongs to exactly one group. 2. The groups are mixed, so several randomly chosen groups can provide a spread of students. 3. Randomly select advisory groups and survey every student in the chosen groups. That is cluster sampling.

Answer

Use a cluster random sample: randomly select several advisory groups and survey every student in them. The groups are separate, mixed, and easy to visit in full.
Random sampling methods 36
A shipping company groups all packages by destination region, randomly selects packages within every region, and combines the selections. Another employee calls this a cluster sample because regions were used. Explain the error and identify the correct method.

Hints

- Ask whether every group or only selected groups contribute data. - Determine whether all units or only sampled units are taken from a group. - Do not classify the plan solely because it uses groups.

Solution

1. Every destination region contributes selected packages. 2. Packages are randomly sampled within each region rather than all packages being taken from selected regions. 3. Therefore, regions are strata and the method is stratified random sampling. 4. In cluster sampling, only some regions would be selected and all packages in them would be included.

Answer

It is a stratified random sample, not a cluster sample. The company samples individual packages within every region; cluster sampling would randomly select only some regions and include every package in those selected regions.
Random sampling methods 37
A list of \(850\) museum members is numbered \(001\) through \(850\). Describe how to use a random number generator that produces three-digit integers from \(000\) through \(999\) to select a simple random sample of \(40\) distinct members.

Hints

- Compare the generator's full output range with the member-label range. - Decide what to do with an output that does not name a member. - Ensure no member can appear twice in the final sample. - Continue until the required number of distinct valid labels has been obtained.

Solution

1. Generate three-digit integers from \(000\) through \(999\). 2. Ignore \(000\) and any value from \(851\) through \(999\) because those values do not label a member. 3. Keep each valid label from \(001\) through \(850\) only the first time it appears. 4. Continue until \(40\) distinct valid labels have been kept, then select the corresponding members.

Answer

Generate random three-digit integers from \(000\) through \(999\). Keep valid labels \(001\) through \(850\), ignore invalid labels and repeated valid labels, and continue until \(40\) distinct members have been selected.
Random sampling methods 38
A company wants to compare workplace-safety opinions across four job divisions, including one very small division. It plans to take the same-size simple random sample from each division. Identify the sampling method and explain why equal allocation may be useful even though it is not proportional.

Hints

- Determine whether every division contributes sampled individuals. - Identify the study goal: overall estimation or comparison among groups. - Explain why a small group might need more representation than proportional allocation gives.

Solution

1. Employees are divided into nonoverlapping groups by job division. 2. A simple random sample is selected within every division. 3. This is stratified random sampling. 4. Equal allocation provides enough observations from the small division for a meaningful comparison across divisions.

Answer

It is a stratified random sample. Taking the same number from each division deliberately gives the small division adequate representation for comparing division-level opinions.
Random sampling methods 39
A university can either take a simple random sample of individual dorm residents from one combined roster or randomly select several dorm floors and survey every resident on those floors. Name both methods and give one practical tradeoff.

Hints

- Identify what is randomly selected in each plan. - Notice whether all members of selected groups are included. - Compare efficiency with how much diversity each sample may capture.

Solution

1. Selecting individuals from the combined roster is a simple random sample. 2. Selecting whole dorm floors and surveying everyone on them is a cluster random sample. 3. The SRS may be more geographically scattered but directly randomizes individuals. 4. The cluster sample is easier to administer but may be less precise if residents within a floor are similar.

Answer

The first plan is an SRS; the second is a cluster random sample. Cluster sampling is easier to carry out, but an SRS may better spread selections across the university and avoid strong within-floor similarity.
Random sampling methods 40
A voter roster is ordered alphabetically. An election office chooses a random starting position among the first twenty names and then selects every twentieth voter. Identify the method and state one condition under which the alphabetical order would not threaten representativeness.

Hints

- Identify the two defining steps of the selection plan. - Ask whether the list order is connected to the measured variable. - Focus especially on any repeating pattern that matches the interval.

Solution

1. The plan uses a random start and fixed interval, so it is systematic random sampling. 2. The order is acceptable if surname position is not related to the variable being studied in a way that creates a repeating pattern at the sampling interval. 3. Without such a relationship, the method can spread selections across the roster.

Answer

It is a systematic random sample. The alphabetical order is not a concern if surname order has no relevant periodic relationship with the survey variable.
Random sampling methods 41
A county assessor wants precise estimates of residential property values for urban, suburban, and rural areas. Describe an appropriate random sampling plan and explain why the chosen groups should be strata rather than clusters.

Hints

- Decide whether the groups are internally similar or miniature versions of the county. - Identify whether every group needs representation. - Specify where random selection occurs.

Solution

1. Divide all residential properties into urban, suburban, and rural strata. 2. Select a simple random sample of properties within each stratum. 3. These groups are internally more similar in property characteristics and differ from one another. 4. Sampling within every group supports separate and overall estimates; selecting only some groups as clusters would omit major area types.

Answer

Use a stratified random sample: classify every residential property as urban, suburban, or rural, then randomly sample properties within each category. The area types are appropriate strata because properties within a type are relatively similar and all types must be represented.
Random sampling methods 42
A public-health team needs household data from a vast rural region. Villages are geographically scattered, and each village contains a mix of household types. Explain why a cluster random sample of villages may be practical and describe the plan.

Hints

- Identify natural groups that reduce travel costs. - Decide whether each group should resemble the full population. - State what is randomly selected and who is surveyed afterward.

Solution

1. Villages are natural geographic clusters and each is intended to contain varied households. 2. Randomly select several villages from the full list. 3. Survey every eligible household in each selected village. 4. The plan reduces travel while retaining random selection of clusters.

Answer

Randomly select villages as clusters and survey all eligible households in each selected village. This is practical because travel is concentrated in a few locations, provided villages reasonably reflect the region's household diversity.
Random sampling methods 43
A roster is sorted from highest to lowest account balance. A bank uses a random number generator to choose a simple random sample of account numbers from the full roster. Does the sorted order prevent the sample from being an SRS? Explain.

Hints

- Focus on the selection mechanism rather than the display order. - Ask whether every possible group of the requested size can be chosen. - Contrast direct random selection with fixed-interval selection.

Solution

1. The selection uses random choice from the entire roster. 2. Every possible sample of the stated size can still have the same chance of selection. 3. Sorting does not matter for an SRS when selection is not based on position patterns. 4. The order would matter more for a systematic sample if it interacted with the interval.

Answer

No. The sorted order does not prevent an SRS because account numbers are selected randomly from the entire roster, not by a position-based pattern.
Random sampling methods 44
A records center stores archived case files on \(240\) shelving units. Each shelving unit contains files from many years and several departments. To estimate the proportion of all files with a missing barcode, an auditor randomly selects \(12\) shelving units and inspects every file on those units. Identify the sampling method and explain why the way files are distributed across shelves matters.

Hints

- Decide whether units are sampled from every group or whether entire groups are selected. - Identify the group whose members are all included once that group is chosen. - Consider what characteristics a useful group should share with the full population.

Solution

1. The shelving units are clusters because entire selected shelves are inspected. 2. Randomly selecting shelves and including every file on them is cluster random sampling. 3. The method is most appropriate when each shelf contains a mixture that resembles the full population of files; shelves dominated by particular years or departments could make the selected clusters unrepresentative.

Answer

This is a cluster random sample. Each shelving unit is a cluster, and all files in the selected clusters are inspected. The method works best when individual shelves are heterogeneous and resemble the full collection rather than being separated by year or department.
Random sampling methods 45
A harbor authority wants to estimate the mean number of recreational boats entering the harbor per day during one calendar year. It separates the calendar into \(12\) months and randomly selects two dates within each month. Identify the sampling method and explain why it may be preferable to one simple random sample of \(24\) dates from the full year.

Hints

- Determine whether the calendar is divided into groups before dates are selected. - Ask whether sampling occurs within every group or only within a few selected groups. - Consider why time of year could be related to the measured response.

Solution

1. The months form nonoverlapping strata, and random dates are selected within every stratum. 2. The method is stratified random sampling. 3. Sampling within every month guarantees representation across the year and can reduce variation caused by seasonal boating patterns.

Answer

This is stratified random sampling with month as the stratifying variable. It guarantees that every month is represented, which is useful when harbor traffic changes by season.
Random sampling methods 46
A marina has \(760\) registered boats numbered \(001\) through \(760\). An analyst reads three-digit groups from a random digit table, ignores \(000\) and \(761\) through \(999\), skips any repeated valid number, and continues until \(40\) distinct boat numbers have been selected. Does this procedure produce a simple random sample of \(40\) boats? Explain.

Hints

- Check whether every valid label is handled by the same rule. - Decide what rejecting out-of-range labels changes about the relative chances of valid labels. - Think about why repeated labels must be skipped when the sample requires distinct boats.

Solution

1. Every valid boat number is treated the same by the random digit table. 2. Invalid labels are ignored, so they do not favor any registered boat. 3. Repeated valid labels are skipped, which makes the sample contain \(40\) distinct boats. 4. Every possible set of \(40\) boats has the same chance of being selected, so the result is an SRS of size \(40\).

Answer

Yes. The random digit table treats all valid boat numbers equally, and rejecting invalid labels and duplicates produces \(40\) distinct selections without favoring any boat. The procedure gives a simple random sample of \(40\) boats.
Random sampling methods 47
A state housing study first randomly selects \(15\) counties. Within each selected county, it uses a simple random sample of \(30\) rental households rather than surveying every rental household in the county. Identify the sampling structure and explain how it differs from a one-stage cluster sample.

Hints

- Count how many separate random-selection steps occur. - Identify the units selected at each step. - Compare the final step with what would happen if every member of a selected group were included.

Solution

1. Counties are selected randomly at the first stage. 2. Rental households are then randomly selected within the chosen counties at the second stage. 3. This is a multistage random sample. 4. In a one-stage cluster sample, every rental household in each selected county would be included rather than taking a second random sample within the selected counties.

Answer

The study uses multistage random sampling: counties are sampled first, then households are sampled within those counties. A one-stage cluster sample would include all rental households in every selected county.
Random sampling methods 48
A pottery studio makes ceramic mugs in \(50\) production batches during one month. Inspectors randomly choose one mug from every batch. Identify the sampling method and explain why the batches are strata rather than clusters.

Hints

- Are mugs selected from every batch? - Is selecting one mug from every batch the same as choosing whole batches? - Focus on which batches and which mugs enter the sample.

Solution

1. Every mug belongs to one production batch. 2. A random mug is chosen within each of the \(50\) batches, so the batches are strata. 3. In a cluster sample, inspectors would randomly choose only some batches and inspect every mug in those batches.

Answer

Stratified random sampling: one mug is selected from every batch. A cluster sample would randomly choose some whole batches and inspect all mugs in those batches.
Random sampling methods 49
A researcher tries to form strata using the categories “subscribes to the newsletter” and “has made a purchase this year.” Some customers belong to both categories and some belong to neither. Explain why these two categories do not form valid strata as stated and how to repair the grouping.

Hints

- Check whether one person can belong to more than one proposed group. - Check whether every person belongs to at least one group. - Split the two yes-or-no characteristics into all possible combinations.

Solution

1. Strata must be nonoverlapping and together cover the full population. 2. The proposed categories overlap because some customers satisfy both conditions. 3. They also fail to cover customers who satisfy neither condition. 4. The researcher can create four nonoverlapping strata: both conditions, newsletter only, purchase only, and neither, then randomly sample within each stratum.

Answer

The proposed strata overlap and do not cover every customer. Use four mutually exclusive, exhaustive groups: both, newsletter only, purchase only, and neither, then sample randomly within each group.
Random sampling methods 50
A delivery service has several departments, each with at least two employees. To get an SRS of two employees, it selects the first name randomly from the full roster and the second name randomly from other employees in the first employee's department. Is this an SRS? Explain.

Hints

- Could the process ever choose employees from two different departments? - What does an SRS require of every possible pair? - How could both names be chosen from the full roster instead?

Solution

1. An SRS of two requires every possible pair of employees to have the same chance of selection. 2. Both selected employees must be from the same department. 3. A pair from different departments has no chance of being selected, so the method is not an SRS. 4. To take an SRS, select two distinct names at random from the full roster without replacement.

Answer

No. Employees from different departments can never form a selected pair. Choose two distinct names at random from the full roster without replacement.
Random sampling methods 51
A researcher assigns each farm on a complete roster an independent random number from a continuous distribution, sorts the roster by those numbers, and selects the first \(30\) farms. Explain why this produces a simple random sample of \(30\) farms.

Hints

- Think about what sorting independent random numbers does to the roster order. - Ask whether any farm is favored for an early position. - Extend the argument from individual positions to every possible set of \(30\) farms.

Solution

1. Independent continuous random numbers create a random ordering of the farms, with ties having probability zero. 2. Every ordering of the roster is equally likely. 3. Therefore, every set of \(30\) farms is equally likely to occupy the first \(30\) positions. 4. The selected farms form an SRS of size \(30\).

Answer

The random numbers create an equally likely random ordering of the roster. Every possible set of \(30\) farms has the same chance to appear in the first \(30\) positions, so the result is an SRS.
Random sampling methods 52
A population contains \(90\) members of Group X and \(910\) members of Group Y. A researcher randomly samples \(45\) members from each group. Identify the sampling method, compare the inclusion probabilities for the two groups, and explain why the result is not an SRS of \(90\) people.

Hints

- Identify whether selections are made separately inside population groups. - Compare the sampled fraction within each group. - Recall that an SRS from the full population treats every individual symmetrically.

Solution

1. Random samples are taken within both population groups, so the method is stratified random sampling. 2. A Group X member has inclusion probability \(\frac{45}{90}=0.5\). 3. A Group Y member has inclusion probability \(\frac{45}{910}\approx 0.0495\). 4. The individual inclusion probabilities are unequal, so the combined sample is not an SRS of \(90\) people from the full population.

Answer

The design is disproportionate stratified random sampling. Group X inclusion probability: \(0.5\). Group Y inclusion probability: \(\frac{45}{910}\approx 0.0495\). Because the probabilities differ, the sample is not an SRS of \(90\) people.
Random sampling methods 53
Registrar Priya Shah makes \(20\) independent random draws from a student roster with replacement. If a student is drawn more than once, the duplicate is discarded, but no additional draw is made. Priya calls the result an SRS of \(20\) distinct students. Evaluate the claim.

Hints

- Track what happens to the final sample size when a duplicate occurs. - Compare the procedure with the fixed size required by an SRS of \(20\). - Modify the selection rule so every selected student is distinct and the size is fixed.

Solution

1. Sampling with replacement allows the same student to be drawn multiple times. 2. Discarding duplicates without making additional draws can leave fewer than \(20\) distinct students. 3. Therefore, the procedure does not guarantee a sample of size \(20\) and cannot be an SRS of \(20\) distinct students. 4. Priya should sample \(20\) students without replacement or continue drawing with replacement until \(20\) distinct students have been selected.

Answer

The claim is false. Duplicate draws can make the final sample contain fewer than \(20\) distinct students. Sample without replacement or continue drawing with replacement until \(20\) distinct students are selected.
Random sampling methods 54
A \(24\)-hour manufacturing process may behave differently by time of day. An inspector divides each day into \(24\) one-hour periods and randomly selects one item produced within every hour. Identify the sampling method and explain its advantage over an SRS of \(24\) items from the full day.

Hints

- Determine whether every time group contributes an observation. - Identify the random selection made inside each group. - Consider what an unrestricted sample might fail to represent.

Solution

1. The one-hour periods are nonoverlapping strata. 2. One item is randomly selected within every stratum, so the method is stratified random sampling. 3. The design guarantees representation from every hour and can capture time-of-day changes that an SRS of \(24\) items might miss by chance.

Answer

This is stratified random sampling with hour as the stratifying variable. It guarantees coverage of all \(24\) hours and is useful when process behavior changes over the day.
Random sampling methods 55
A city has \(800\) residential blocks. To estimate the proportion of homes with rooftop solar panels, a planner randomly selects one block and records every home on that block. Explain why using only one cluster is risky and describe a better cluster sample.

Hints

- Consider how similar homes within one block may be. - Ask whether one selected group can represent variation among all groups. - Improve the plan by increasing the number of independently selected groups.

Solution

1. Homes within one block may be unusually similar in housing type, income, shade, or neighborhood policy. 2. With only one selected cluster, block-specific characteristics cannot be separated from citywide patterns. 3. A better design randomly selects many blocks spread across the city and records every home within each selected block. 4. Multiple clusters provide replication at the cluster level and better represent variation among blocks.

Answer

One block may be atypical, so a one-cluster sample can be dominated by that block's characteristics. Randomly select several blocks and survey every home in each selected block.
Random sampling methods 56
A factory separates production records into day-shift and night-shift lists. Within each list, an inspector chooses a random start among the first \(50\) records and then selects every fiftieth record. Describe the sampling design.

Hints

- Identify the first division of the population. - Classify the selection rule used separately inside each division. - Name the overall method and the within-group method.

Solution

1. The population is first divided into two nonoverlapping strata based on shift. 2. A systematic random sample with a random start and fixed interval of \(50\) is taken within each stratum. 3. The overall design is stratified random sampling, using systematic random sampling inside the day and night strata. 4. This guarantees representation from both shifts.

Answer

The design is stratified random sampling by shift, with a systematic random sample taken within each stratum.
Random sampling methods 57
A company has \(40\) employees in a small remote-work division and \(1960\) employees in other divisions. It includes all \(40\) remote-work employees and takes an SRS of \(160\) other employees. Identify the sampling design and describe the two inclusion probabilities.

Hints

- Treat the small division and the remaining employees as separate population groups. - Determine the sampled fraction in each group. - Classify the overall design based on random selection within the groups.

Solution

1. The population is divided into remote-work and other-division strata. 2. The remote-work stratum is surveyed by census, so each member has inclusion probability \(1\). 3. The other stratum is sampled randomly, so each member has inclusion probability \(\frac{160}{1960}=\frac{4}{49}\approx 0.0816\). 4. The overall design is disproportionate stratified sampling.

Answer

This is disproportionate stratified sampling. Remote-work employees have inclusion probability \(1\). Other employees have inclusion probability \(\frac{160}{1960}=\frac{4}{49}\approx 0.0816\).
Random sampling methods 58
To sample public high schools statewide, researchers take an SRS of \(20\) school districts and then take an SRS of one high school from each selected district. One selected district has \(4\) high schools, while another has \(20\). Is the resulting set of schools an SRS of all public high schools? Explain.

Hints

- Follow one school through both stages of selection. - Compare a school’s chance within a small district with its chance within a large district. - Recall what must be equal for every possible school sample in an SRS.

Solution

1. Conditional on its district being selected, a school in the \(4\)-school district has selection probability \(\frac{1}{4}\), while a school in the \(20\)-school district has probability \(\frac{1}{20}\). 2. Because districts have the same first-stage selection chance, schools in smaller districts have larger overall inclusion probabilities. 3. Therefore, the final set is a multistage random sample but not an SRS of all public high schools.

Answer

No. Schools in smaller districts are more likely to be selected; for example, the within-district probabilities are \(\frac{1}{4}\) and \(\frac{1}{20}\). The design is multistage, not an SRS of schools.
Random sampling methods 59
A county has \(100\) rural households and \(900\) urban households. Researchers take an SRS of \(50\) households from each group. The sample mean weekly driving distance is \(42\,\text{miles}\) for rural households and \(30\,\text{miles}\) for urban households. Explain why averaging the two sample means is inappropriate for estimating the countywide mean, and compute an appropriately weighted estimate.

Hints

- Compare each group’s share of the sample with its share of the population. - Give each group’s sample mean the weight of that group in the county. - Check that the weights account for the entire population.

Solution

1. The sample gives rural and urban households equal representation even though they make up different proportions of the county. 2. The population weights are \(\frac{100}{1000}=0.10\) for rural households and \(\frac{900}{1000}=0.90\) for urban households. 3. The weighted estimate is \(0.10\cdot 42+0.90\cdot 30=31.2\,\text{miles}\).

Answer

An unweighted average overrepresents rural households. The appropriately weighted countywide estimate is \(31.2\,\text{miles}\) per week.
Random sampling methods 60
A public library has \(34\) numbered study-room reservations, labeled \(01\) through \(34\). Its random-digit generator gives numbers from \(00\) through \(99\) with equal chance. Describe a method for selecting a simple random sample of \(8\) different reservations without favoring any reservation.

Hints

- Which generator outputs do not name a reservation? - What happens if an accepted label comes up again? - How will you know when to stop selecting?

Solution

1. Read independent random numbers from \(00\) through \(99\). 2. Accept a number if it is between \(01\) and \(34\) and has not been accepted before. 3. Discard \(00\), every number above \(34\), and repeats. 4. Continue until eight different reservations have been chosen. Each possible group of eight is equally likely.

Answer

Keep only new labels \(01\) through \(34\); reject \(00\), \(35\) through \(99\), and repeats. Stop when eight distinct labels have been selected.
Random sampling methods 61
An airport's departure list repeats the same sequence of airlines every twelve flights. An analyst chooses a random starting flight and then samples every twelfth departure. Identify the method and explain why it may be inappropriate for estimating mean departure delay across all airlines.

Hints

- Identify the random start and fixed interval. - Compare the interval with any pattern in the ordered list. - Ask whether repeated positions in that pattern differ in the response variable.

Solution

1. A random start followed by a fixed interval makes this a systematic random sample. 2. The interval matches the repeating airline pattern. 3. The sample may repeatedly select the same airline or the same position in the pattern. 4. Because airlines may have different delay patterns, one resulting sample may be badly unrepresentative and the estimator may have high sampling variability.

Answer

It is a systematic random sample, but the interval of twelve aligns with the list's periodic structure. The sample may repeatedly select one airline or one position in the pattern, producing an unrepresentative estimate with high sampling variability.
Random sampling methods 62
A statewide survey randomly selects two counties and surveys every resident in those counties. Most residents in the state live in urban counties, but the two selected counties happen to be rural. Identify the sampling method and explain why selecting only these two clusters may produce an unrepresentative sample.

Hints

- Identify whether whole groups or individual residents are selected first. - Compare the selected counties with where most residents in the state live. - Distinguish an unlucky random outcome from a failure to use random selection.

Solution

1. Entire counties are selected and every resident in each selected county is surveyed, so this is a cluster random sample. 2. Counties can differ substantially in characteristics related to the survey response. 3. With only two selected clusters, the realized sample can have high sampling variability. 4. Because both selected counties are rural while most state residents live in urban counties, this particular random sample represents the statewide resident population poorly even though the cluster selection itself was random.

Answer

It is a cluster random sample. Selecting only two counties can produce high sampling variability, and in this realization both selected clusters are rural even though most state residents live in urban counties, so the sample is poorly representative of the statewide resident population.
Random sampling methods 63
A school randomly selects exactly five students from each grade level and combines them into one sample. Every student within a grade has the same chance of selection. Is the combined sample a simple random sample of all students? Explain.

Hints

- Use the definition based on possible samples, not only individual chances. - Identify whether the plan forces a particular group composition. - Name the method that samples within every group.

Solution

1. The plan fixes the number selected from every grade. 2. Samples with different grade compositions have probability zero. 3. Therefore, not every possible sample of the total size has the same chance of selection. 4. The method is stratified random sampling, not an SRS of the entire school.

Answer

No. It is a stratified random sample because exactly five students are selected within each grade. It is not an SRS of all students since samples with other grade compositions cannot be chosen.
Random sampling methods 64
A university wants to compare campus-access experiences of students with disabilities and students without disabilities. Students with disabilities make up a small share of enrollment. The university randomly selects \(120\) students from each group. Identify the sampling method and explain why equal sampling from the two groups may be useful even though it is not proportional to enrollment.

Hints

- Identify how the roster is divided before selections are made. - Determine whether random selections occur within every group. - Consider why a small population group might need more observations than proportional allocation would provide.

Solution

1. The population is divided into two nonoverlapping groups based on disability status. 2. A random sample is taken within each group, so the method is stratified random sampling. 3. Selecting equal numbers gives the smaller group enough observations for a meaningful comparison between groups. 4. The allocation is disproportionate, so an overall campus estimate would need to account for the groups' actual population proportions.

Answer

This is a stratified random sample with disability status as the stratifying variable. Equal allocation gives adequate representation to the smaller group for comparison, although the sample is not proportional and cannot be combined naively for an overall estimate.
Random sampling methods 65
A transit agency selects every twentieth boarding after a random start and asks the boarding passenger to complete a survey. The agency describes this as a systematic random sample of distinct riders. Evaluate that description.

Hints

- Identify exactly what is counted in the every-twentieth rule. - Ask whether each person contributes the same number of chances for selection. - Distinguish a trip or event from the individual who generates it.

Solution

1. The procedure is systematic random sampling of boarding events because every twentieth boarding is selected after a random start. 2. A rider who boards many times has more opportunities to be selected than a rider who boards once. 3. The same rider could also appear more than once. 4. Therefore, the procedure is not a systematic random sample of distinct riders unless the agency adds a method that identifies and samples each rider only once from a rider-level frame.

Answer

It is a systematic random sample of boardings, not of distinct riders. Frequent riders have more chances to be selected and may appear multiple times, so a rider-level sampling frame is needed for a sample of distinct riders.
Random sampling methods 66
Nandi, a housing researcher, randomly selects \(20\) apartment buildings from Riverton and surveys every resident in each selected building. Buildings have very different numbers of residents. A student says the sample is an SRS of residents because every building was equally likely to be selected. Evaluate the claim.

Hints

- Identify which objects are selected directly by the random mechanism. - Check whether individuals can appear in arbitrary combinations. - Separate equal inclusion chances from the stronger definition of an SRS.

Solution

1. The buildings, not individual residents, are selected at random. 2. All residents in selected buildings are included, so the design is cluster random sampling. 3. It is not an SRS of residents because possible resident samples are constrained to whole-building groups and do not all have the same chance of selection. 4. Unequal building sizes also make the final sample size variable, although each resident's inclusion probability can still equal the probability that the resident's building is selected.

Answer

The sample is a cluster random sample, not an SRS of residents. Whole buildings are selected and all residents within them are surveyed, so only samples made of complete building clusters can occur.
Random sampling methods 67
A survey first takes an SRS of households from an address list. In each selected household, all eligible adults are numbered and one adult is chosen with a random number generator. Describe the sampling structure and explain why the second random step matters.

Hints

- Identify the unit selected at each random stage. - Ask what would happen if the interviewer simply chose the first available adult. - Compare an adult's selection chance in a one-adult household with the chance in a four-adult household.

Solution

1. Households are randomly selected at the first stage. 2. One adult is randomly selected within each chosen household at the second stage. 3. The procedure is multistage random sampling. 4. The second random step prevents the interviewer from favoring the adult who is easiest to contact and gives eligible adults within the same household equal chances of selection. 5. Adults do not necessarily have equal overall inclusion probabilities: an adult in a household with fewer eligible adults has a greater chance of being selected than an adult in a larger household. Adult-level estimates may therefore require weighting by household eligibility count.

Answer

This is multistage random sampling: households are sampled first, then one adult is sampled within each selected household. The second random step avoids convenience selection within households. However, adults in smaller eligible households have higher overall inclusion probabilities, so adult-level estimates may require weighting.
Random sampling methods 68
A roster of \(1000\) employees is arranged by hire date in a circle. A researcher chooses one random starting position and selects that employee plus the next \(99\) employees. The researcher claims this is an SRS of \(100\) employees because the start was random. Evaluate the claim.

Hints

- Compare the number and structure of samples the procedure can produce with all possible \(100\)-person sets. - Identify a plausible set of employees that the procedure could never select. - Separate equal chances for individuals from equal chances for complete samples.

Solution

1. The random start gives each employee an equal chance to be included in some \(100\)-person consecutive block. 2. However, only \(1000\) consecutive circular blocks can be selected. 3. Most possible sets of \(100\) employees, especially sets scattered across hire dates, have probability zero. 4. Therefore, the sample is not an SRS of \(100\) even though individual inclusion probabilities are equal.

Answer

The claim is false. A random start allows only consecutive \(100\)-person blocks, so most possible samples of \(100\) employees cannot occur. Equal individual inclusion probabilities do not make the design an SRS.
Random sampling methods 69
A librarian assigns each of \(600\) books a random integer from \(1\) through \(100\) and selects the \(30\) books with the smallest assigned integers. If several books tie at the cutoff, the librarian chooses the tied books with the smallest catalog numbers. Is the final sample an exact SRS of \(30\) books? Explain how to fix the procedure.

Hints

- Check whether two books can receive the same random value. - Examine what happens when a tie affects the last available place. - Ask whether the tie rule favors any fixed identifying feature.

Solution

1. Ties are possible because only \(100\) random integers are used for \(600\) books. 2. Resolving a cutoff tie by catalog number gives some tied books a systematic advantage, so not every group of \(30\) books has the same chance of selection. 3. The procedure can be fixed by randomly breaking every cutoff tie or by generating a random ordering of all \(600\) books and selecting the first \(30\).

Answer

No. The deterministic catalog-number tie-break means the result is not an exact SRS. Randomly break cutoff ties, or randomly order all \(600\) books and select the first \(30\).
Random sampling methods 70
A health network randomly selects \(10\) clinics with equal probability, then randomly selects one patient from each chosen clinic. Clinics range from \(200\) to \(5000\) patients. Explain why patients do not have equal inclusion probabilities and describe a way to make the design closer to self-weighting.

Hints

- Write the selection process as a clinic step followed by a patient-within-clinic step. - Compare the second-step chance in a small clinic with the chance in a large clinic. - Adjust the first-stage clinic chances so they offset clinic size.

Solution

1. Every clinic has the same first-stage selection probability. 2. Within a selected clinic, a patient has probability equal to one divided by that clinic's patient count of being chosen. 3. Patients in small clinics therefore have greater overall inclusion probabilities than patients in large clinics. 4. One correction is to select clinics with probability proportional to clinic size and then select the same number of patients within each selected clinic, or to account for unequal probabilities with appropriate weights.

Answer

Equal-probability clinic selection followed by one patient per clinic favors patients in small clinics. Select clinics with probability proportional to patient count and then sample equally within selected clinics, or use sampling weights that reflect the unequal probabilities.

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