A school librarian wants to know which books are the most popular among the students in her school. Since she can’t ask all the students, she will survey a group of them.
Part A
Which sample can best help her draw conclusions about the preferences of all the students in the school?
In order for the school librarian to draw conclusions about the preferences of all the students in the school, she will need to select a sample that is representative of the entire student population. This means that the sample should accurately reflect the diverse characteristics and interests of the entire student body.
To select the best sample, the librarian should follow these steps:
1. Random sampling: Randomly select students from different grade levels, classes, and demographic groups in the school. This ensures that each student has an equal chance of being selected and eliminates bias.
2. Sample size: The librarian should determine an appropriate sample size based on factors such as the total number of students in the school and the level of accuracy desired. Generally, a larger sample size leads to more reliable results.
3. Stratified sampling: Consider stratified sampling if the school has distinct groups of students with varying characteristics, such as different grade levels. In this case, the librarian can ensure that each group is accurately represented in the sample.
4. Survey design: Design a survey that includes questions about book preferences and allow students to choose multiple options. This will provide the librarian with a comprehensive understanding of the most popular books among the students.
By following these steps, the librarian can select a sample that best represents the preferences of all the students in the school and effectively draw conclusions based on the survey results.