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Part 1

Identify the sampling techniques used, and discuss potential sources of bias (if any). Explain.

In 1965, researchers used random digit dialing to call

1500

people and ask what obstacles kept them from

voting.

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Part 1

What type of sampling was used?

A.

Cluster sampling was used, since the phone numbers were divided into groups, several groups were selected, and each number in those groups was called.

B.

Systematic sampling was used, since phone numbers were selected from a list using a fixed interval between phone numbers.

C.

Simple random sampling was used, since each number had an equal chance of being dialed, so all samples of

1500

phone numbers had an equal chance of being selected.

Your answer is correct.

D.

Convenience sampling was used, since the

1500

phone numbers that were easiest to reach were selected.

Part 2

What potential sources of bias were present, if any? Select all that apply.

A.

Individuals may have refused to participate in the sample. This may have made the sample less representative of the population.

B.

Individuals may have not been available when the researchers were calling. Those individuals that were available may have not been representative of the population.

C.

Telephone sampling only includes people who had telephones. People who owned telephones may have been older or wealthier on average, and may not have been representative of the entire population.

D.

If there was a regular pattern to the numbers dialed, it is possible for the sample to not have been representative of the population.

E.

There were no potential sources of bias.