Final answer:
A simple random sampling procedure is characterized by random assignment, where every individual has an equal chance of being selected. The department store manager using cluster sampling interviews all employees in randomly selected departments.
Step-by-step explanation:
A simple random sampling procedure that the administrators might use involves every individual in the population having an equal chance of being selected. For example, to select a sample of students, administrators could assign each student a number and use a random number generator to pick the participants. A key characteristic of a simple random sampling procedure is C) Random assignment.
The scenario described in the question, where a department store manager selects four departments at random and interviews all the employees in those departments, is an example of a A) Cluster sampling design.
In contrast to simple random sampling, other sampling methods like stratified sampling, cluster sampling, and systematic sampling utilize different techniques to ensure subgroups or clusters are adequately represented, or to select samples at regular intervals, respectively. The use of convenience sampling, which is a nonrandom method of choosing a sample based on ease of access, often results in biased data and is not considered a form of random sampling..