Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumChoosing a representative sample of pupils
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A researcher wants a sample of 80 pupils that represents all 800 pupils at a school. Which method is most likely to give a representative sample?
- A. Choosing 80 pupils at random from the school register.Correct
- B. Asking the first 80 pupils to arrive one morning.
- C. Asking the 80 members of the school's sports teams.
- D. Asking 80 pupils who volunteer to take part.
Answer: A. Choosing 80 pupils at random from the school register.
Random selection from the whole list gives every pupil the same chance.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Asking the first 80 pupils to arrive one morning.
- Early arrivers may differ from the rest.
- C. Asking the 80 members of the school's sports teams.
- Sports teams are not typical of all pupils.
- D. Asking 80 pupils who volunteer to take part.
- Volunteers select themselves.
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