Final answer:
The most appropriate method for surveying city residents regarding the construction of a new town hall is option B, which involves surveying a random sample of persons within each geographic region of the city, as it ensures a representative and random sample according to probability sampling and avoids regional bias.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the most appropriate procedure for the government of a town to obtain a sample of the city's residents' opinions on the construction of a new town hall, it is important to choose a method that ensures a representative and random sample. Of the options provided:
- A) Surveying a random sample of employees at the old city hall would not be representative of the entire city's population.
- B) Surveying a random sample of persons within each geographic region of the city would likely be the most representative and random selection, reflecting the diverse opinions throughout the city.
- C) Surveying the first 500 people listed in the town's telephone directory could result in a biased sample that does not accurately represent the city's population demographics.
- D) Surveying every 14th person who walks into city hall on a given day would not provide a random or comprehensive sampling of the entire city's population.
Therefore, the best option for obtaining a representative sample would be option B, as it ensures that all areas of the city are included and each resident has an equal chance of selection, aligning with the principles of probability sampling and avoiding regional bias.