Question

Imagine that you want to conduct a survey of college students’ breakfast preferences. Place in order the following methods of selecting a representative sample from least to most effective.

Answer 1

The least effective methods of selecting a representative sample are convenience sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Convenience sampling
2. Systematic sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Cluster sampling

Convenience sampling is the least effective method for selecting a representative sample, as it relies on easily accessible individuals. Systematic sampling involves selecting every kth individual from a population. Stratified sampling involves dividing a population into subgroups and then randomly selecting individuals from each subgroup. Cluster sampling involves dividing a population into clusters and randomly selecting entire clusters to include in the sample.

Answer 2

The methods of selecting a representative sample from least to most effective are:

Least effective:

• Convenience sampling
• Snowball sampling
• Purposive sampling

Most effective:

• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling

Why are these effective?

Convenience sampling involves selecting participants who are easily accessible to the researcher, such as classmates or friends. This method is not effective because it is likely to introduce bias into the sample.

Cluster sampling involves dividing the population into clusters, or groups, and then randomly selecting clusters to participate in the study. This method is more effective than the previous methods because it is more efficient and can be used when it is difficult to sample individuals directly.

The full question is:

Imagine that you want to conduct a survey of college students’ breakfast preferences. Place in order the following methods of selecting a representative sample from least to most effective.

Stratified sampling

Convenience sampling

Snowball sampling

Purposive sampling

Cluster sampling