IIBA CBDA Exam - Topic 4 Question 33 Discussion

Question

A food and beverage company would like to administer a survey to obtain customer insights about a new cookie product recently launched. A data team is asked to build the survey paying careful attention to reduce the degree of sampling error. Which criteria would help the team meet this objective?

Eric · Accepted Answer

B) Large sample size and random selection of the target population

Eric · Answer

A) Large sample size and variation in the target population

Eric · Answer

C) Small sample size and specific subset of the target population

Eric · Answer

D) Small sample size and using customers who agreed to take the survey
Explanation:
Sampling error is the difference between the results obtained from a sample and the results obtained from the population from which the sample is drawn1.Sampling error can affect the validity, reliability, and generalizability of the survey results2. To reduce the degree of sampling error, the data team should use a large sample size and a random selection of the target population.A large sample size means that the sample is more likely to represent the diversity and variability of the population, and that the results are more precise and accurate3.A random selection of the target population means that every member of the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample, and that the results are less biased and more representative4.
The other criteria would not help the team meet this objective, as they would increase the degree of sampling error. A large sample size and variation in the target population would not reduce the sampling error, as variation refers to the differences or heterogeneity within the population, not the sample.Variation in the target population can increase the sampling error, as it makes it harder to capture the true characteristics of the population with a sample5. A small sample size and specific subset of the target population would not reduce the sampling error, as they would make the sample less representative and more prone to bias. A small sample size means that the sample is less likely to reflect the diversity and variability of the population, and that the results are less precise and accurate. A specific subset of the target population means that the sample is not randomly selected, but based on some criteria or convenience, and that the results are more biased and less representative. A small sample size and using customers who agreed to take the survey would not reduce the sampling error, as they would also make the sample less representative and more prone to bias. A small sample size has the same drawbacks as mentioned above.Using customers who agreed to take the survey means that the sample is not randomly selected, but based on self-selection or voluntary response, and that the results are more biased and less representative.