Samantha and Luis are attempting to determine the average number of library books that seventh-grade students check out at one time. Samantha surveys every other seventh grade student leaving the library. She samples a total of 40 of the 200 seventh graders. Luis samples 30 of the 200 seventh grade students at random in the school cafeteria. Whose sample is the most random?
Answer
A
Luis because his sample is taken from the population of all seventh graders
B
Luis because he samples fewer students
C
Samantha because she samples more students
D
Samantha because her sample is taken from the population of students who use the library
Explanation
Luis’s sample is the most random because he selects students at random from all 200 seventh graders. Samantha samples only students leaving the library, so her sample excludes seventh graders who do not use the library and may not represent the whole grade. The fact that Samantha samples more students does not correct this selection bias.
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