Random Sampling Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Research Methods in Psychology

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🎲 Definition: Random sampling is a method of selecting a sample from a population where each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen. This helps ensure the sample is representative of the population, reducing bias.
• 🧮 Simple Random Sampling: Every member of the population is assigned a number, and a random number generator is used to select the sample. Think of it like drawing names out of a hat.
• 📊 Stratified Random Sampling: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on characteristics like age or gender, and then a random sample is taken from each stratum. This ensures representation from all groups.
• 🌍 Cluster Random Sampling: The population is divided into clusters (e.g., schools or neighborhoods), and then a random selection of clusters is made. All members within the selected clusters are included in the sample.
• 📝 Systematic Random Sampling: Selecting every $k^{th}$ member from the population after a random start. For example, every 10th person on a list.
• 💡 Importance: Random sampling is crucial for making valid generalizations from the sample to the larger population.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the primary goal of random sampling in research?
   1. A. To ensure every participant enjoys the study.
   2. B. To eliminate the need for statistical analysis.
   3. C. To obtain a sample that is representative of the population.
   4. D. To increase the cost of the research project.
2. In which type of random sampling is the population divided into subgroups before sampling?
   1. A. Simple random sampling
   2. B. Stratified random sampling
   3. C. Cluster random sampling
   4. D. Systematic random sampling
3. A researcher wants to study the opinions of college students in a state. They randomly select 10 colleges and survey all students in those colleges. What type of sampling is this?
   1. A. Simple random sampling
   2. B. Stratified random sampling
   3. C. Cluster random sampling
   4. D. Systematic random sampling
4. What is the first step in simple random sampling?
   1. A. Dividing the population into strata.
   2. B. Assigning a random number to each member of the population.
   3. C. Selecting every $k^{th}$ member of the population.
   4. D. Randomly selecting clusters.
5. Which sampling method involves selecting every $k^{th}$ element from a list?
   1. A. Simple random sampling
   2. B. Stratified random sampling
   3. C. Cluster random sampling
   4. D. Systematic random sampling
6. What is a key advantage of stratified random sampling over simple random sampling?
   1. A. It is always easier to implement.
   2. B. It guarantees representation of different subgroups within the population.
   3. C. It requires less information about the population.
   4. D. It eliminates sampling error.
7. A researcher uses a random number generator to pick participants from a numbered list of all potential subjects. What kind of sampling is this?
   1. A. Stratified Random Sampling
   2. B. Cluster Random Sampling
   3. C. Simple Random Sampling
   4. D. Systematic Random Sampling