Sample
Definition
A sample refers to a subset or smaller group selected from the larger population for statistical analysis and inference.
Analogy
Imagine you have been given an ice cream cone with different flavors available. You decide to take small spoonfuls (samples) from each flavor before deciding which one you like best. These small spoonfuls represent samples taken from each flavor option before making an overall decision about your favorite flavor.
Related terms
Random Sampling: Random sampling is a method of selecting a sample where each individual in the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
Sampling Bias: Sampling bias occurs when certain members of the population are more likely to be included in the sample than others, leading to an unrepresentative sample.
Sample Size: The sample size refers to the number of individuals or objects included in a sample. A larger sample size generally leads to more reliable results and better representation of the population.
"Sample" appears in:
Subjects (3)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (6)
If it is reported that 1/4 of people in a population of 2500 have green eyes, 1/2 have brown eyes, and the rest have brown eyes, what are the expected values for each eye colour in a sample of 100 people?
Suppose we have a survey where respondents were asked about their favorite ice cream flavors, and the expected distribution of flavors among respondents is as follows: 25% chocolate, 30% vanilla, 20% strawberry, and 25% mint. If we collect data from a sample of 200 respondents, what would be the expected frequency distribution for each flavor category?
To calculate the standard error of the mean, you divide the standard deviation of the sample by:
For a given sample, what happens to the width of a confidence interval for a population proportion as the confidence level increases?
Which of the following sampling techniques helps ensure the reliability and validity of the results and minimizes bias in the sample?
Why do we subtract 1 from the number of values (n) when calculating the standard deviation for a sample?
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