Ashford University Sampling Methods Relating to Statistics Discussion Post

THIS IS A DISCUSSION POST ONLY!

150 to 250 Words

This video discusses sampling in the context of how estimates of population parameters are obtained. It refers to Video 1: What is an Average? where we obtained an “average of 1.89 feet per person.” It points out that applying this statistic depends on thinking through whom the population is meant to be, and that depends on the study question (i.e., “If you want to understand your answer, you really have to work out carefully what your question is.”).

As the sample statistic was derived from a bunch of kids heading to the playground, plus a one-legged man who we asked to show up, we conclude that the sample was a bad one. We explain that random sampling is generally a good way of obtaining a representative sample such that you can be confident that the sample statistic is a good estimate of the population parameter.

Respond to the following response below:

• Magazines often report surveys giving statistics such as “63% of women expect the man to pay on the first date.” Are these random samples? These surveys are most definitely not random – they are typically click-through from the magazine website – and so can provide an opportunity to discuss the sort of biases that can result from lack of random sampling.

Video 3 Below:

https://mediaplayer.pearsoncmg.com/assets/MsQQxcXFvHB_VZh1oA5V861T4AL2Cenj