Identify the sampling technique used, and discuss potential sources of bias (if any). Explain.
Questioning university students as they leave a college cafeteria, a researcher asks 342 students about their eating habits.

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Step 1: Identify the sampling technique used. In this scenario, the researcher is questioning university students as they leave a college cafeteria. This suggests a convenience sampling method, as the researcher is selecting participants based on their availability and proximity rather than using a random or systematic approach.

Step 2: Define convenience sampling. Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where participants are chosen based on ease of access or availability. It is often used when time or resources are limited, but it may not provide a representative sample of the population.

Step 3: Discuss potential sources of bias. Convenience sampling can introduce selection bias because the sample may not accurately represent the broader population. For example, students leaving the cafeteria might have different eating habits compared to those who do not use the cafeteria or eat elsewhere.

Step 4: Consider the implications of the bias. The results of the study may be skewed toward the eating habits of students who frequent the cafeteria, potentially excluding perspectives from students who bring their own food, eat off-campus, or have dietary restrictions that prevent them from using the cafeteria.

Step 5: Suggest ways to reduce bias. To improve the representativeness of the sample, the researcher could use a random sampling method, such as selecting students from various locations on campus or using a stratified sampling approach to ensure all subgroups (e.g., commuters, dorm residents) are included.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Sampling Technique

Sampling technique refers to the method used to select individuals from a population to participate in a study. In this case, the researcher is using a convenience sampling technique by questioning students as they leave a cafeteria, which may not represent the entire student body. Understanding the sampling method is crucial for evaluating the validity and generalizability of the research findings.

Bias in Sampling

Bias in sampling occurs when certain members of a population are systematically more likely to be selected than others, leading to an unrepresentative sample. In this scenario, students who eat at the cafeteria may have different eating habits compared to those who do not, introducing potential bias. Recognizing sources of bias is essential for interpreting the results accurately and understanding their limitations.

Generalizability

Generalizability refers to the extent to which findings from a sample can be applied to the broader population. If the sample is biased, as it may be in this case, the results may not accurately reflect the eating habits of all university students. Evaluating generalizability helps researchers and readers assess the relevance and applicability of the study's conclusions.

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