Final answer:
A-Town is conducting a survey using a random sample method by dividing the population into neighborhoods and surveying random households in each, which ensures each household has an equal chance of being selected and provides a representative sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
A-Town's approach to determining the number of cell phones in each household through a survey is an example of a random sample. The method involves dividing the population into neighborhoods and surveying a random selection of households within each area. This technique helps to ensure that every household has an equal chance of being selected, which should provide a representative sample of the town's population. Such methods are necessary to obtain reliable data that reflects the true distribution and characteristics of the target population without regional bias.
Using a representative sample is crucial in research and polling to measure accurately public opinion or collect data on phenomena. As in the given example where the market research firm surveys 500 randomly selected residents to estimate the percentage of adults with cell phones, the firm employs statistical measures like confidence intervals to infer about the entire population's cell phone ownership based on the sample data. Moreover, the concept of probability sampling is also important for achieving a sample that can be generalized to the whole population with reasonable accuracy.