Sampling Error Is the Term

¶ … Sampling error" is the term applied to the discrepancy and possibility of being misled by observing only a sample of a total population instead of the whole population itself. Generally speaking, the larger and more diverse the sample population is, the lower the risk of sampling error, because the sample will be more representative

A sampling distribution of means is a distribution of means collected from different sample populations. That is, it is a distribution created by calculating the mean of specific responses given by subjects within several distinct sample populations. For instance, if the mean from sample a is two, from sample B. is three, from sample C. is two and so on, the sample distribution of means would show the data spread of these means (around two or three, in this example).

3)

The central limit theorem basically states that no matter what the distribution of original data is, the sampling distribution of the mean will approach a normal distribution, and the larger the sample is (for many distributions and for the sampling distribution of the mean) the closer it will approximate a normal distribution.

4)

The confidence level of a data set or figure is the degree of certainty that one can have in that figure or data set, whereas the confidence interval is the actual range of data that is contained in the confidence level percentage of the data set.

5)

Statistical significance refers to whether or not an observed trend, correlation, or other relationship actually appears to exist after rigorous examination of the numbers, and not merely due to a simple majority of incidences appearing a certain way.

Part B

6)

The sample population for this study will be a group of elderly individuals that visits a senior activity center operated by the city. Elderly individuals represent the overall population of study in this research, and the senior center will provide an easy way to meet and access a diverse representative sample of this population. The fact that these seniors are active at the center might skew results somewhat, however.

7)

The sampling frame for this study includes a list of gender, racial, and other demographics, as well as an assessment of certain life events and lifestyles (e.g. marital status, number of children, former occupation, income level, etc.). In order to ensure a random and representative sample, all of these factors and more must be included in the sampling frame.

8)

The specific sampling technique that will be employed in this research is a non-probability technique, based more on practical expedience than probability constraints. All individuals encountered at the senior center that meet eligibility criteria will be asked to participate, including the broadest and most diverse sample population possible.