54655012
A researcher needs a sample of distinct employees from a company roster. A random number generator selects an employee number, and the selected number is returned to the pool before the next draw. Explain why this procedure does not meet the goal and state the needed change.
Hints
- Compare the stated goal with what can happen after a selected number is returned.
- Ask whether a sampled unit can appear more than once.
- State the selection rule that prevents duplicates.
Solution
1. Returning each selected number allows the same employee to be chosen more than once.
2. The goal requires distinct employees, so repeated selections are not acceptable.
3. Sampling should be done without replacement.
Answer
The procedure samples with replacement, so one employee could appear multiple times. The researcher should sample without replacement so each selected employee can be chosen only once.
