Question

Determine whether the sampling method appears to be sound or is flawed:

In a survey of 514 human resource professionals, each was asked about the importance of the appearance of a job application. The survey subjects were randomly selected by Harris Interactive pollsters.

A. Sound sampling method
B. Flawed sampling method
C. Depends on the importance of appearance
D. Cannot determine without knowing the sampling frame

Answer 1

The sampling method used by Harris Interactive pollsters, which involved the random selection of 514 human resource professionals, appears to be sound if the process was truly random and the sample was drawn from an appropriate sampling frame.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining whether the sampling method is sound or flawed for the survey of 514 human resource professionals about job application appearance, it is important to consider the actual method employed. Harris Interactive pollsters randomly selected the subjects, which indicates that a probability sampling method was used.

Probability sampling requires each member of the population to have an equal chance of being selected, and this random selection process is critical for creating a sample that is representative of the larger population. The accuracy of the poll is highly dependent on whether or not the sample is truly random and representative.

In this instance, the sampling method appears to be sound as long as the selection process was indeed random and the sample was drawn from an appropriate sampling frame.