A researcher wants a sample from a population of employees in which each department is represented in proportion to its size. Which sampling method is this?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Stratified sampling
- Step 1: The population is divided into strata (departments), and a proportionate sample is taken from each stratum.
- Step 2: This is stratified sampling, which ensures that every subgroup is represented.
Answer
Stratified sampling.
Why not the others: Simple random sampling: Random sampling gives every member an equal chance of selection but does not guarantee proportionate representation of each department. Cluster sampling: Cluster sampling picks whole groups at random and studies all members, instead of selecting proportionally from every group. Quota sampling: Quota sampling fills fixed quotas by non-random choice; the question concerns a probability-based, proportional design.
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