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MATH 1280-Unit 1 Discussion Assignment

The document discusses some limitations of using samples to make inferences about populations. While sampling is useful for statistical studies, it is important to consider potential biases as samples may not accurately represent the entire population due to missing relevant variables or subgroups. Larger sample sizes tend to provide more reliable estimates than small samples. Drawing conclusions solely from a sample without accounting for variables like demographics or usage patterns risks an incomplete or inaccurate representation of the overall population. Supplementary research methods should be considered in addition to sampling to better understand populations.

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220 views3 pages

MATH 1280-Unit 1 Discussion Assignment

The document discusses some limitations of using samples to make inferences about populations. While sampling is useful for statistical studies, it is important to consider potential biases as samples may not accurately represent the entire population due to missing relevant variables or subgroups. Larger sample sizes tend to provide more reliable estimates than small samples. Drawing conclusions solely from a sample without accounting for variables like demographics or usage patterns risks an incomplete or inaccurate representation of the overall population. Supplementary research methods should be considered in addition to sampling to better understand populations.

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Attempting to extrapolate findings about the entire population solely based on samples is

unacceptable. While sampling holds significance in statistical studies by easing conclusions

about bigger populations, it comes with some restrictions and potential biases. Sampling includes

picking out certain members or instances from a more extensive community or dataset and

employing their findings as statistically representative across that whole pool (Illowsky et al.,

2022). Nevertheless, it is essential to keep in mind various elements that could affect whether

taking only that sample representation as valid for describing all segments of the original is

acceptable.

When undertaking research studies, achieving representativeness in sampling is essential

for producing credible results. A key aspect is ensuring that samples are chosen based on relevant

variables, so they accurately reflect their corresponding population (Illowsky et al., 2022).

However, obtaining perfect representation can pose challenges - these become especially

pronounced in larger or more widely varied populaces where variation may go overlooked during

sampling procedures. Such oversights may lead to biased results with flawed conclusions lacking

accuracy and clarity over what was being studied or researched.

One must take into consideration the size of a sample when conducting research as it

plays an integral role in deciding accuracy levels. In agreement with (Illowsky et al., 2022),

larger sample sizes yield more reliable and precise estimation on population parameters

compared to small samples; aside such results often come with uncertainty brought about by

variables inherent in sampling procedures. It is worth noting that relying exclusively on sampling

methods could prove difficult when capturing specific characteristics of populations. An example

worth considering is investigating the average household income across an entire country;
drawing conclusions only from samples might generate an inaccurate depiction since its' possible

that high income or low-income groups might not have been included appropriately.

In the field of computer science (my field), it is worth pondering over the issue of user

satisfaction with software applications. One may contemplate investigating the general user

contentment level of a specific mobile application. The targeted population for this research

includes all users who have used said app. Drawing conclusions about the entire app user

population based on one sample is not without potential drawbacks. There are several variables

like device preferences, demographics, usage patterns, and user behavior that might be notably

different across all app users. In collecting feedback exclusively from a restricted group of

individuals using the app, valuable perspectives and essential insights from specific segments

could be lost out on leading us to an inconsistent representation of global user contentment.

In summary, while sampling stays an important part of statistics, relying on a sample

alone cannot exactly reflect the entire population due to representativeness issues and incomplete

identification of relevant traits (Illowsky et al., 2022). Therefore, caution needs to be exercised

by considering potential biases that may complicate findings derived from samples exclusively

exact for that group rather than applicable. Supplementary research methods like census data or

broader collection approaches become imperative in getting better knowledge about a population

beyond just one side.


References

Illowsky, B., Dean, S., Birmajer, D., Blount, B., Boyd, S., Einsohn, M., Helmreich, J., Kenyon,

L., Lee, S., & Taub, J. (2022). Introductory statistics. openstax.

https://openstax.org/details/books/introductory-statistics

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