Charlotte wants to conduct a survey to find out if the people in her town think that the town should build a new library. Which group of people would be a representative sample to survey?

A. parents with children in middle school
B. every twenty-fifth name in the town's census directory
C. students with home computers
D. people who work for book manufacturers

I think it's A, but I don't know for sure

A is not a representative sample of the "people in her town."

Which is the only sample that will provide an unbiased point of view?

B. every twenty-fifth name in the town's census directory

Right!

Thank you!!

You're welcome.

To determine the representative sample for Charlotte's survey, we need to consider which group of people would provide a diverse representation of the town's population. This means the sample should be a smaller subset that includes different demographics and perspectives present in the community.

A. Parents with children in middle school: This sample group might provide insights from parents and families actively engaged with the education system. However, it may not capture the opinions of individuals without children or those with children in different age groups.

B. Every twenty-fifth name in the town's census directory: This method, known as systematic random sampling, ensures that the sample covers a broad range of residents across different neighborhoods and demographics. By selecting every twenty-fifth name, we get a random and representative sample from the town's population.

C. Students with home computers: While this group might offer insights into the opinions of students, it's unlikely to capture the perspectives of individuals who may not have access to home computers or do not fall into the student category.

D. People who work for book manufacturers: This group may have specific knowledge or opinions related to books, but they might not represent the wider population's views regarding the construction of a new library.

Given the criteria for achieving a representative sample, option B, every twenty-fifth name in the town's census directory, is the most likely choice. This method ensures a fair and random selection of individuals from various backgrounds, age groups, and locations throughout the town.