Question

When measuring variables, why is it often preferable to use a small sample size?

a) Small samples are less costly.
b) Large samples give more narrow process control limits.
c) Small samples can be gathered quickly.
d) All of the above

Answer 1

Small sample sizes are less costly and can be gathered more quickly, making them preferable in certain contexts. However, larger samples are generally better due to their reduced sampling variability and greater reliability.

Step-by-step explanation:

When measuring variables, it's often preferable to use a small sample size for several reasons. Small samples tend to be less costly and can be gathered more quickly, hence offering practical advantages. However, it's important to balance these benefits with the potential risks of sampling error and reduced representativeness of the population in studies where validity and reliability are critical.

A random sample is effective because it ensures that everyone has the same chance of being part of the study, preventing bias in the selection of participants and increasing the representativeness of the results. Furthermore, large samples are generally better as they reduce sampling variability and provide more reliable statistics; however, small samples are sometimes unavoidable, such as in crash testing cars or for rare medical conditions where each sample might be costly or difficult to obtain.