Question

The managers of a large company wished to know the percentage of employees who feel "extremely satisfied" to work there. The company has roughly 31,000 employees. Three scenarios are given in parts a through c below. For each scenario, determine the sampling method used by the managers.

The managers split the company into divisions, with each division containing employees that have similar jobs. Within each division, they select a SRS of employees to contact. Choose the correct sampling method below.

A. The managers used a cluster sample
B. The managers used a systematic sample.
C. The managers used a stratified sample
D. The managers used a multistage sample.
E. The managers used a simple random sample

Answer 1

The managers used a stratified sampling method by dividing the company into divisions based on job similarity and then taking a simple random sample from each division.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Sampling Methods

In the scenario provided, the managers have employed a stratified sampling method to gather information from employees. To elaborate, they divided the company into various divisions or strata, where each division consists of employees who share similar job characteristics. Subsequently, a simple random sample (SRS) was selected from each stratum. This approach ensures that all divisions are represented in the sample, thereby improving the accuracy and representativeness of the findings regarding employee satisfaction.

Cluster Sampling: Involves selecting entire groups or clusters of subjects, typically at random, from a population. All individuals within the chosen clusters are then included in the sample.

Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on a specific characteristic, and a random sample is drawn from each of these groups.

Systematic Sampling: A sample is obtained by selecting every kth individual from the population list, where k is a constant.

For the given question, the managers used a stratified sample (C) as they divided the company into different divisions and then took a simple random sample from each division.

Answer 2

C. The managers used a stratified sample

Step-by-step explanation:

The managers divided the company into groups, or strata, with similar characteristics and then take a simple random sample within each group. This process is a clear application of the stratified sampling method since all groups were considered and then individually sampled (unlike in cluster sampling).

Therefore, the answer is C. The managers used a stratified sample