Questions: Identify the sampling techniques used, and discuss potential sources of bias (if any). Explain.
Soybeans are planted on a 44-acre field. The field is divided into one-acre subplots. A sample is taken from each subplot to estimate the harvest.
What type of sampling is used?
A. Stratified sampling is used, since the field is divided into subplots and a random sample is taken from each subplot.
B. Simple random sampling is used, since each sample of soybean plants of the same amount has the same chance of being selected.
C. Cluster sampling is used, since the field is divided into subplots, a number of subplots are selected, and every soybean plant in the selected subplots is sampled.
D. Convenience sampling is used, since the soybean plants closest to the barn are sampled.
Transcript text: Identify the sampling techniques used, and discuss potential sources of bias (if any). Explain.
Soybeans are planted on a 44-acre field. The field is divided into one-acre subplots. A sample is taken from each subplot to estimate the harvest.
What type of sampling is used?
A. Stratified sampling is used, since the field is divided into subplots and a random sample is taken from each subplot.
B. Simple random sampling is used, since each sample of soybean plants of the same amount has the same chance of being selected.
C. Cluster sampling is used, since the field is divided into subplots, a number of subplots are selected, and every soybean plant in the selected subplots is sampled.
D. Convenience sampling is used, since the soybean plants closest to the barn are sampled.
Solution
Solution Steps
Solution Approach
To determine the type of sampling used, we need to analyze the method described in the question. The field is divided into one-acre subplots, and a sample is taken from each subplot. This suggests that the field is divided into smaller, non-overlapping groups (subplots), and samples are taken from each of these groups. This method aligns with stratified sampling, where the population is divided into strata (subplots) and a sample is taken from each stratum.
Step 1: Identify the Sampling Technique
The problem describes a field divided into one-acre subplots, from which a sample is taken from each subplot. This method indicates that the population is divided into distinct groups (subplots), and samples are drawn from each of these groups. Therefore, the sampling technique used is stratified sampling.