Which method involves selecting every nth entry after starting from a random point?

Which method involves selecting every nth entry after starting from a random point?

• A. Cluster sampling
• B. Systematic sampling
• C. Stratified sampling
• D. Quota sampling

Answer: (B)

Systematic sampling is the method that involves selecting every nth entry after starting from a random point. This approach is used to ensure that the selection of samples is spread evenly across the population, providing a representative sample without the randomness of picking individuals from the entire population. The initial random point ensures that the starting position is unbiased, and the periodic selection (every nth entry) removes potential clustering that might occur if randomly choosing individuals. For instance, if you wanted to collect data from a population of 100 individuals and decided to select every 5th individual after randomly selecting a starting point between 1 and 5, you would have a systematic method to select your sample. This technique offers a balance between convenience and randomness, making it effective for many survey and research scenarios.

Systematic sampling is the method that involves selecting every nth entry after starting from a random point. This approach is used to ensure that the selection of samples is spread evenly across the population, providing a representative sample without the randomness of picking individuals from the entire population. The initial random point ensures that the starting position is unbiased, and the periodic selection (every nth entry) removes potential clustering that might occur if randomly choosing individuals.

For instance, if you wanted to collect data from a population of 100 individuals and decided to select every 5th individual after randomly selecting a starting point between 1 and 5, you would have a systematic method to select your sample. This technique offers a balance between convenience and randomness, making it effective for many survey and research scenarios.