Sampling Error and Survey Methods

The video tutorial discusses the practice of taking probability samples in social sciences, highlighting the concept of sampling error, which arises when a random sample differs from the true population. It explains that while sampling error is unavoidable, it can be estimated and reduced by increasing sample size or using a good sampling design. However, completely eliminating sampling error is impractical. The tutorial emphasizes that survey samples, despite their imperfections, are efficient and accurate for studying large populations.

What is the main reason that a random selection process does not guarantee a perfect sample?

• It is too expensive.

• It requires too many resources.

• It always includes sampling error.

• It takes too much time.

In the telephone survey example, what is the main factor that could lead to sampling error?

• Surveying only one region.

• Using outdated phone numbers.

• Including too many wealthy individuals by chance.

• Calling too few people.

What does the margin of error in survey results represent?

• The exact error in the survey.

• An estimate of the sampling error.

• The total number of errors in the survey.

• The cost of conducting the survey.

How can sampling error be reduced according to the video?

• By using fewer resources.

• By decreasing the sample size.

• By increasing the sample size.

• By shortening the survey duration.

What is a potential downside of increasing the sample size to reduce sampling error?

• It makes the survey less reliable.

• It leads to more sampling error.

• It increases the time and cost of the survey.

• It decreases the accuracy of the survey.

What is the relationship between sample size and sampling error?

• Sample size has no effect on sampling error.

• As sample size increases, sampling error decreases.

• As sample size increases, sampling error increases.

• Sample size and sampling error are unrelated.

What happens to the margin of error when the sample size is increased from 1000 to 2500?

• It increases by 1%.

• It remains the same.

• It decreases by 1%.

• It decreases by 5%.

What is one method mentioned to reduce sampling error besides increasing sample size?

• Surveying only urban areas.

• Using a single survey method.

• Sampling distinct subpopulations independently.

• Reducing the number of questions.

Why is it impractical to completely eliminate sampling error?

• It requires observing every element in the population.

• It is too costly to conduct surveys.

• It takes too much time to analyze data.

• It requires advanced technology.

What is the main takeaway about survey samples from the video?

• They are always perfect.

• They are an efficient way to study large populations despite imperfections.

• They are too costly to be useful.

• They are only useful for small populations.