Chapter 11.8, Problem 1LC

Solution

(a)

To explain: The sampling method used in an investigation done about reading habits in the community by conducting a poll.

The sampling method used to conduct a poll from a table near the exit of a history museum is the Convenience sampling method.

Given:

An investigation is conducted to study the reading habits in the community by conducting a poll from a table near the exit of a history museum.

Concept used:

The convenience sampling method is where a sample is selected for study based on convenience or readily available.

Explanation:

The poll is conducted from a table near the exit gate of a history museum, The sample selected for the study is collected based on convenience of the researcher. Thus, the sampling method used is Convenience sampling method.

(b)

To explain: If there exists any bias in the sampling method used to conduct a poll.

Yes, there exists a bias in the convenience sampling method used to conduct a poll.

In convenience sampling, the sample selected was readily available, as mentioned the poll was conducted at the exit gate of a history museum. So the sample consists of people who are interested in history as they visited the museum. It does not represent the entire population, so there exists a bias in the result about the reading habits of the community.