Final answer:
The researcher is seeking to understand students' opinions on transforming a grassy area into a parking lot on a college campus through a questionnaire. A random sample is crucial to obtain representative results. This study is important for grasping the sentiment of the student community and aiding campus decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
A researcher wants to investigate the response of students on a college campus to a plan to turn a grassy area into a parking lot. This type of research is vital in understanding the opinions and attitudes of the student body regarding changes to their environment that may affect their daily lives and the campus ecosystem. To ensure accurate and representative results, the researcher must employ a methodologically sound approach to sampling. A random sample of the student population should be selected, where every student has an equal chance of being chosen to participate in the survey. This helps prevent selection bias and increases the likelihood that the responses will reflect the views of the entire student body. For example, the researcher could use a list of all enrolled students and select participants proportionately from various classes such that the sample mirrors the composition of the student body. Tools like surveys and questionnaires are commonly used to gather data from participants. In this scenario, the questionnaire will inquire about students' preferences and attitudes towards the proposed change from a grassy area to a parking lot. By analyzing the collected data, the researcher can deduce how the student population generally feels about the initiative and provide valuable insights to the college administration.