Q.1 Which of the following is a probability sampling method?
Convenience sampling
Snowball sampling
Simple random sampling
Quota sampling
Explanation - Simple random sampling gives every member of the population an equal chance of being selected, which is a probability sampling method.
Correct answer is: Simple random sampling
Q.2 In stratified random sampling, the population is divided based on:
Geographical location
Subgroups relevant to the study
Availability
Researcher preference
Explanation - Stratified random sampling divides the population into strata or subgroups based on characteristics relevant to the research before random sampling from each stratum.
Correct answer is: Subgroups relevant to the study
Q.3 Which sampling method is most prone to bias?
Simple random sampling
Systematic sampling
Convenience sampling
Stratified sampling
Explanation - Convenience sampling selects participants who are easily available, which may not represent the entire population and is prone to bias.
Correct answer is: Convenience sampling
Q.4 What is the main feature of cluster sampling?
Randomly selecting individuals from each stratum
Selecting entire groups or clusters randomly
Selecting participants based on convenience
Sampling only volunteers
Explanation - Cluster sampling involves randomly selecting entire groups or clusters, rather than individuals, which can be more practical for large populations.
Correct answer is: Selecting entire groups or clusters randomly
Q.5 Systematic sampling involves:
Selecting every nth individual from a list
Randomly selecting individuals
Selecting participants based on accessibility
Choosing subgroups based on characteristics
Explanation - Systematic sampling selects participants using a fixed interval, such as every 10th person in a list.
Correct answer is: Selecting every nth individual from a list
Q.6 Which of the following best describes snowball sampling?
Participants recruit other participants
Randomly selecting from a list
Dividing population into strata
Selecting clusters randomly
Explanation - Snowball sampling is a non-probability method where existing participants refer or recruit future participants, often used for hard-to-reach populations.
Correct answer is: Participants recruit other participants
Q.7 Quota sampling ensures representation based on:
Random selection
Specific characteristics
Accessibility
Volunteer basis
Explanation - Quota sampling selects participants to match certain characteristics in proportion to their occurrence in the population, but it is not random.
Correct answer is: Specific characteristics
Q.8 In which scenario is purposive sampling most appropriate?
Studying a rare clinical condition
Surveying a city population
Sampling students in a classroom randomly
Selecting every 5th participant on a list
Explanation - Purposive sampling targets participants who have specific traits, making it suitable for studying rare conditions or specific expertise.
Correct answer is: Studying a rare clinical condition
Q.9 Which is a key disadvantage of non-probability sampling?
It requires randomization
It is prone to selection bias
It is always time-consuming
It cannot be used for qualitative research
Explanation - Non-probability sampling may not represent the population accurately, leading to bias in the results.
Correct answer is: It is prone to selection bias
Q.10 What is the main goal of random sampling?
Maximize convenience
Ensure representativeness
Include only volunteers
Divide population into clusters
Explanation - Random sampling ensures each individual has an equal chance of selection, increasing the likelihood that the sample represents the population.
Correct answer is: Ensure representativeness
Q.11 Which sampling method is best when population members are geographically dispersed?
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Convenience sampling
Purposive sampling
Explanation - Cluster sampling reduces logistical challenges by selecting entire groups in different locations rather than individuals from across the whole population.
Correct answer is: Cluster sampling
Q.12 A researcher selects participants based on ease of access. This is an example of:
Simple random sampling
Convenience sampling
Systematic sampling
Stratified sampling
Explanation - Convenience sampling relies on participants who are readily available to the researcher, which may not represent the broader population.
Correct answer is: Convenience sampling
Q.13 What is the main advantage of stratified sampling?
It is easy to conduct
Ensures representation of key subgroups
Requires no prior knowledge of population
Eliminates all bias
Explanation - Stratified sampling ensures that important subgroups are adequately represented, improving the accuracy of population estimates.
Correct answer is: Ensures representation of key subgroups
Q.14 Which method is commonly used in hard-to-reach populations?
Random sampling
Snowball sampling
Stratified sampling
Systematic sampling
Explanation - Snowball sampling relies on referrals from initial participants, making it effective for populations that are difficult to access.
Correct answer is: Snowball sampling
Q.15 If every 10th student is selected from a school roster, this is an example of:
Systematic sampling
Cluster sampling
Simple random sampling
Quota sampling
Explanation - Systematic sampling selects participants at regular intervals from an ordered list, such as every 10th student.
Correct answer is: Systematic sampling
Q.16 Which sampling method is entirely based on randomization?
Purposive sampling
Simple random sampling
Quota sampling
Convenience sampling
Explanation - Simple random sampling gives every member of the population an equal probability of selection through a random process.
Correct answer is: Simple random sampling
Q.17 Why might a researcher use cluster sampling instead of simple random sampling?
To reduce costs and logistical complexity
To avoid bias completely
To ensure every subgroup is equally represented
Because clusters are always homogeneous
Explanation - Cluster sampling is efficient when populations are large and spread out geographically, reducing time and travel costs.
Correct answer is: To reduce costs and logistical complexity
Q.18 Quota sampling is different from stratified random sampling because:
It is non-random
It requires clusters
It uses systematic intervals
It recruits only volunteers
Explanation - Quota sampling sets targets for certain subgroups but does not randomly select participants within those groups, unlike stratified random sampling.
Correct answer is: It is non-random
Q.19 Which sampling method can lead to overrepresentation of easily accessible participants?
Simple random sampling
Convenience sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Explanation - Convenience sampling tends to overrepresent participants who are easy to reach, potentially biasing the results.
Correct answer is: Convenience sampling
Q.20 Purposive sampling is most appropriate when:
The population is homogeneous
The researcher wants a representative random sample
Specific expertise or characteristics are needed
All population members are equally accessible
Explanation - Purposive sampling selects participants with particular traits or expertise relevant to the research.
Correct answer is: Specific expertise or characteristics are needed
Q.21 Which method allows a researcher to generalize results most confidently?
Convenience sampling
Random sampling
Snowball sampling
Purposive sampling
Explanation - Random sampling minimizes bias and increases the likelihood that the sample represents the population, supporting generalization.
Correct answer is: Random sampling
Q.22 Which method might combine random and non-random elements?
Stratified random sampling
Systematic sampling
Purposive sampling
Cluster sampling
Explanation - Stratified random sampling first divides the population into strata (non-random), then randomly selects participants within each stratum.
Correct answer is: Stratified random sampling
Q.23 A major limitation of snowball sampling is:
It is always expensive
It may not represent the overall population
It requires complete population lists
It only works for small populations
Explanation - Snowball sampling relies on referrals, which can result in a biased sample that is not representative of the entire population.
Correct answer is: It may not represent the overall population
Q.24 Which of the following statements about cluster sampling is true?
Individuals within clusters are selected randomly
Entire clusters are selected randomly
It cannot be used in large populations
It ensures all subgroups are proportionally represented
Explanation - Cluster sampling involves randomly selecting entire clusters (e.g., schools, towns), then including all or a sample of individuals within those clusters.
Correct answer is: Entire clusters are selected randomly