Statistical Sampling and Representativeness

Question 1

What type of samples reduce bias in research?

Answer 1

Random samples

Random samples give all members of a population an equal chance of selection.

Question 2

What do representative samples do?

Answer 2

Accurately reflect the population’s characteristics

Representative samples provide a true picture of the population being studied.

Question 3

What can non-random or unrepresentative samples lead to?

Answer 3

Misleading inferences

An example is the flawed assumption that ‘95% of Americans are billionaires’.

Question 4

What should critical thinkers verify regarding research samples?

Answer 4

The sampling method

They should check if the sample accurately reflects the broader population.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: ______ samples give all members of a population an equal chance of selection.

Answer 5

Random

Question 6

True or False: Representative samples can lead to misleading inferences.

Answer 6

False

Representative samples provide accurate reflections of the population.

Question 7

What is a critical aspect of evaluating research samples?

Answer 7

Considering whether the sample accurately reflects the broader population