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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyChoosing a representative sample

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A researcher wants to estimate the mean height of all 1,200 pupils at a school. Which of the following samples would give the most reliable estimate?

  1. A. 100 pupils selected at random from the whole schoolCorrect
  2. B. The members of the school basketball team
  3. C. The first 20 pupils to arrive one morning
  4. D. All the pupils in one class

Answer: A. 100 pupils selected at random from the whole school

A random sample from the whole population avoids systematic bias.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The members of the school basketball team
Basketball players tend to be tall.
C. The first 20 pupils to arrive one morning
Early arrivals are not chosen at random, and 20 is small.
D. All the pupils in one class
One class is one age group.

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