AP Statistics 1.11 A Identify a Sampling Method Given a Description of a Study Questions

Practise identifying and implementing simple random, stratified, cluster, and systematic samples by tracing exactly how units or groups are selected.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2026
Course
AP Statistics

Exam points

  • identify or construct a simple random sample in which every possible sample of the stated size is equally likely
  • identify or construct a stratified sample by randomly selecting units within every homogeneous group
  • identify or construct a cluster sample by randomly choosing groups and measuring every unit in them
  • identify a systematic sample from a random start followed by selection at a fixed periodic interval

AP Statistics 1.11 A Identify a Sampling Method Given a Description of a Study Questions question 1

Aphids are tiny insects that feed on plants such as cabbage plants. A farmer wants to reduce the number of aphids in a cabbage field. A river is located 100 meters south of the cabbage field.

The farmer divides the field into 25 regions of equal size, as shown in the diagram. Each region has approximately the same number of cabbage plants.

Farmer's House and Cabbage Field

Farmer's House and Cabbage Field

The farmer would like to estimate the proportion of cabbage plants in the field that are affected by aphids and believes that the extent of aphid damage is greater for the regions in the cabbage field closer to the river. To obtain the estimate, the farmer is considering three sampling methods.

- Sampling method I: Select region 3, which is closest to the farmer's house and farthest from the river. Examine every cabbage plant in the region for aphid damage.

- Sampling method II: Randomly select one row (A, B, C, D, or E). For every region in the selected row, examine every cabbage plant for aphid damage.

- Sampling method III: Randomly select one region from each of rows A, B, C, D, and E. For each selected region, examine every cabbage plant for aphid damage.

Using the information provided in the diagram of the cabbage field, describe how to implement sampling method III, which requires a random selection of one region from each of rows A, B, C, D, and E.

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