Understanding Sampling Methods in Citrus Fruit Farming

Question:

Which of the following best describes the sampling method used by the farmer to assess damage after an unexpected frost?

A.) stratified sample

B.) systematic sample

C.) cluster sample

D.) simple random sample

Final answer:

Answer:

The farmer's method of selecting subplots for damage assessment is an example of a cluster sample. Other examples include cluster sampling for department store employee satisfaction and polling HR personnel, while selecting team players by age and polling students by grade represent stratified sampling.

Explanation:

Cluster Sample: The sampling method described in the student's question is known as a cluster sample. In this approach, the entire population is divided into groups (clusters), and a random selection of these clusters is made. After the clusters are chosen, all the elements within these selected clusters are assessed. This is what the farmer did by randomly selecting 15 of the 100 subplots and observing every tree within those subplots for frost damage.

For the exercises provided, the type of sampling used in each scenario would be:

1. Store Manager: The store manager conducting interviews with all employees in four randomly selected departments is using a cluster sample.

2. Soccer Coach: The soccer coach forming a team by age groups is using a stratified sample, where each age group represents a different stratum.

3. Pollster: The pollster interviewing all human resource personnel in five companies is also using a cluster sample.

4. High School Principal: The high school principal polling an equal number of students from each grade level is using a stratified sample.