Which describes a random selection procedure?

A. A computer program randomly selects 100 students, splits the list in half alphabetically, and accordingly sends one of the two new forms of the report card.
B. A flip of a coin determines which of the two schools will be testing brand A and which will be testing brand B of computerized whiteboards offered for comparison.
C. A random process determines which researcher from the team will be observing one of the three schools participating in a study.
D. All students located in the math building during the second hour randomly receive one of the three survey forms.

a

random process determines which researcher from the team will be observing one of the three schools participating in a study.

A random selection procedure is one in which individuals are chosen by chance and each individual has an equal probability of being selected. Based on this definition, option C, where a random process determines which researcher from the team will be observing one of the three schools participating in a study, best describes a random selection procedure.

To understand why option C is a random selection procedure, we need to break down the options and see if they meet the criteria.

Option A: The computer program selects 100 students and splits the list in half alphabetically. While this involves randomness in selecting the students, it does not ensure that each student has an equal chance of being chosen. Therefore, option A does not meet the criteria for a random selection procedure.

Option B: This option involves flipping a coin to determine which school will be testing which brand of computerized whiteboards. Although it involves randomness, it does not provide an equal chance of selection for each school. Hence, option B does not meet the criteria for a random selection procedure.

Option C: This option states that a random process is used to determine which researcher will observe one of the three schools participating in the study. This process ensures that each researcher has an equal chance of being selected. Therefore, option C meets the criteria for a random selection procedure.

Option D: This option states that all students located in the math building during the second hour randomly receive one of the three survey forms. This is not a random selection procedure because it does not involve chance or an equal chance for each student. Therefore, option D does not meet the criteria for a random selection procedure.

Based on the analysis, option C is the only one that describes a random selection procedure.