Sampling Techniques # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 What is the main purpose of sampling in statistics?

To study the whole population
To save time and cost
To avoid using statistics
To increase errors
Explanation - Sampling allows researchers to study a smaller, manageable subset of the population while saving time and resources.
Correct answer is: To save time and cost

Q.2 Which of the following is a probability sampling method?

Convenience sampling
Judgment sampling
Simple random sampling
Quota sampling
Explanation - Simple random sampling ensures every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Correct answer is: Simple random sampling

Q.3 In stratified sampling, the population is divided into:

Homogeneous groups
Heterogeneous groups
Random groups
Equal-sized groups only
Explanation - In stratified sampling, the population is divided into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and samples are drawn from each.
Correct answer is: Homogeneous groups

Q.4 Cluster sampling divides the population into groups called:

Strata
Clusters
Sections
Blocks
Explanation - In cluster sampling, the population is divided into clusters and a few clusters are chosen randomly for study.
Correct answer is: Clusters

Q.5 Which of these is a non-probability sampling technique?

Systematic sampling
Stratified sampling
Snowball sampling
Cluster sampling
Explanation - Snowball sampling is non-probability based, often used for hard-to-reach populations where subjects recruit others.
Correct answer is: Snowball sampling

Q.6 What does 'sampling error' mean?

An error in measuring population data
Difference between sample statistic and population parameter
Mistake in data entry
Bias from faulty questionnaire
Explanation - Sampling error arises because a sample may not perfectly represent the population.
Correct answer is: Difference between sample statistic and population parameter

Q.7 Which method ensures equal chance for every nth unit being selected?

Cluster sampling
Systematic sampling
Quota sampling
Judgment sampling
Explanation - In systematic sampling, every nth unit is selected after a random start.
Correct answer is: Systematic sampling

Q.8 Quota sampling is primarily based on:

Random selection
Predetermined categories
Mathematical models
Probability laws
Explanation - Quota sampling involves selecting individuals to ensure certain groups are represented proportionally.
Correct answer is: Predetermined categories

Q.9 Which type of bias occurs when only easily accessible subjects are included?

Selection bias
Measurement bias
Response bias
Coverage bias
Explanation - Selection bias arises when the sample is not representative, such as using convenience sampling.
Correct answer is: Selection bias

Q.10 Which of the following reduces sampling error?

Smaller sample size
Larger sample size
Convenience sampling
Non-random selection
Explanation - Increasing the sample size generally reduces sampling error and increases reliability.
Correct answer is: Larger sample size

Q.11 Judgment sampling relies on:

Probability laws
Researcher's discretion
Random numbers
Mechanical selection
Explanation - Judgment sampling is non-probability based and depends on the researcher's opinion about representativeness.
Correct answer is: Researcher's discretion

Q.12 The main disadvantage of non-probability sampling is:

It saves time
It may be biased
It is more accurate
It is simple
Explanation - Non-probability sampling can lead to bias since not all elements have a known chance of being included.
Correct answer is: It may be biased

Q.13 Which sampling method uses random number tables?

Cluster sampling
Systematic sampling
Simple random sampling
Quota sampling
Explanation - Random number tables are commonly used in simple random sampling to ensure fairness.
Correct answer is: Simple random sampling

Q.14 Which sampling method is most useful for population with natural groups?

Cluster sampling
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Systematic sampling
Explanation - Cluster sampling is suitable when the population naturally forms groups (e.g., schools, districts).
Correct answer is: Cluster sampling

Q.15 In multistage sampling, sampling is carried out:

At one stage only
At multiple stages
By judgment
On small populations only
Explanation - Multistage sampling involves selecting samples in successive stages using a combination of methods.
Correct answer is: At multiple stages

Q.16 What is the frame used for sampling called?

Population base
Sample unit
Sampling frame
Sample list
Explanation - A sampling frame is the list or database from which the sample is drawn.
Correct answer is: Sampling frame

Q.17 Which sampling method is best for ensuring proportional representation of subgroups?

Systematic sampling
Stratified sampling
Convenience sampling
Cluster sampling
Explanation - Stratified sampling guarantees representation from each subgroup or stratum.
Correct answer is: Stratified sampling

Q.18 Convenience sampling is often criticized because it:

Takes too much time
Is highly biased
Requires complex methods
Needs stratification
Explanation - Convenience sampling may not represent the population accurately, leading to biased results.
Correct answer is: Is highly biased

Q.19 If every individual has equal probability of selection, the sampling is:

Judgment sampling
Quota sampling
Simple random sampling
Snowball sampling
Explanation - Simple random sampling ensures equal probability for all individuals in the population.
Correct answer is: Simple random sampling

Q.20 The probability of selection in non-probability sampling is:

Known
Unknown
Always equal
Fixed
Explanation - In non-probability sampling, the probability of selecting each unit is not known.
Correct answer is: Unknown

Q.21 A sampling unit is:

Whole population
Smallest unit selected
Only a subgroup
The total sample size
Explanation - A sampling unit is the basic element considered for selection in the sampling process.
Correct answer is: Smallest unit selected

Q.22 In systematic sampling, if the population size is N and sample size is n, the sampling interval is:

N × n
N / n
n / N
N + n
Explanation - The sampling interval is calculated by dividing population size by sample size (N/n).
Correct answer is: N / n

Q.23 When a sample does not represent the population, it is said to be:

Random
Representative
Biased
Stratified
Explanation - A biased sample leads to incorrect inferences about the population.
Correct answer is: Biased

Q.24 The method where respondents are chosen because they are easy to access is:

Random sampling
Convenience sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Explanation - Convenience sampling involves selecting participants who are readily available.
Correct answer is: Convenience sampling

Q.25 Which of the following is a key feature of probability sampling?

Bias in selection
Equal chance of selection
Convenience-based
Researcher discretion
Explanation - Probability sampling ensures each unit has a known, non-zero chance of selection.
Correct answer is: Equal chance of selection