Exam-style question
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A researcher wants to make an informal inference about a population from a sample. Which sampling method reduces selection bias?.
- A.use a simple random sample
- B.2e
- C.1e^2
- D.1e
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The correct answer is use a simple random sample.
This answer is tied to the objective: K1 Understand and use the terms population and sample; use samples to make informal inferences about the population; understand and use sampling techniques including simple random sampling and opportunity sampling; select or critique sampling techniques in context, including understanding that different samples can lead to different conclusions about the population..
Explanation
Why this works
Use the explanation to connect the worked answer back to K1 Understand and use the terms population and sample; use samples to make informal inferences about the population; understand and use sampling techniques including simple random sampling and opportunity sampling; select or critique sampling techniques in context, including understanding that different samples can lead to different conclusions about the population..
The distractors change the result or the form of the answer. The canonical solution reaches use a simple random sample, so use a simple random sample is the only option consistent with the working.
Maths method check
- Topic focus: Statistics.
- Question style: practice.
- Reasoning demand: application.
- Check the operation, notation, units, and final answer form against the question before moving on.
Common mistake
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