CUET UG Applied Mathematics Booster Test 1 - Sampling Methods & Errors
π Answers are locked once submitted β results and explanations appear at the end.
QUESTION 1 OF 20
Consider a population represented by an area:
A probability sample selects a smaller region:
entirely by chance.
Which statement justifies this as unbiased probability sampling?
QUESTION 2 OF 20
True probability sampling methods include:
1. Simple random sampling
2. Systematic sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Snowball sampling
QUESTION 3 OF 20
Arrange the following sampling methods in the correct sequence under non-probability sampling:
1. Purposive sampling
2. Quota sampling
3. Snowball sampling
4. Convenience sampling
QUESTION 4 OF 20
Assertion (A): A teacher selecting students whose roll numbers end in the digit 2 is an example of biased sampling.
Reason (R): This method does not give every student an equal or random chance of selection.
QUESTION 5 OF 20
Which statement is incorrect regarding simple random sampling?
QUESTION 6 OF 20
A population has elements: . A sample of size is drawn using simple random sampling. What is the probability of selecting the combination ?
QUESTION 7 OF 20
An inspector selects chips at positions:
Determine the fixed interval and the next selected chip.
QUESTION 8 OF 20
In systematic sampling, the population can be arranged:
QUESTION 9 OF 20
Match List I with List II:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Every fifth student entering school is surveyed | a. Simple random sampling |
| 2. Randomly selecting 10 students from 50 with equal probability | b. Systematic sampling |
| 3. Using telephone directories excluding unlisted numbers | c. Convenience bias |
| 4. Selecting people standing at a mall entrance | d. Unrepresentative sample |
QUESTION 10 OF 20
Assertion (A): Selecting one student randomly via lottery every week is an unbiased method.
Reason (R): It follows simple random sampling where each individual has a chance of selection.
QUESTION 11 OF 20
For a sample to fulfill the conditions of a representative sample, which criteria must it satisfy?
1. It must completely lack random selection
2. The sampling process must include a component of random selection
3. The sample size must be extremely small to artificially limit variability
4. The sample size must be sufficiently large to reflect variability
QUESTION 12 OF 20
According to the Central Limit Theorem, if the sample size is sufficiently large (nβ₯30), the sampling distribution approximates which shape, regardless of the population distribution?
QUESTION 13 OF 20
In a sample of 1,000 Indian cricket fans, 75% are male. Assuming this sample is representative, estimate the number of male fans in a population of 2,000,000.
QUESTION 14 OF 20
A researcher surveys the first 50 people entering a shopping mall on a weekday morning regarding employment status.
This sampling method primarily suffers from:
QUESTION 15 OF 20
Identify the incorrect statement regarding sampling biases:
QUESTION 16 OF 20
Arrange the correct sequence of steps for conducting a sampling study:
1. Determine sample size
2. Choose sampling method
3. Identify and define target population
4. Collect data
5. Select sampling frame
QUESTION 17 OF 20
Sampling error is defined as:
x Λ - ΞΌ
If x Λ = 55 and the sampling error is -5, find ΞΌ.
QUESTION 18 OF 20
Assertion (A): Even perfectly random samples contain sampling errors.
Reason (R): Random samples may differ numerically from the population due to inherent variability.
QUESTION 19 OF 20
Given:
ΞΌ = 100, xΜβ = 98, xΜβ = 105, xΜβ = 100
Sampling error vector:
Eβ = (eβ, eβ, eβ), eα΅’ = xΜα΅’ β ΞΌ
Find Eβ.
QUESTION 20 OF 20
Given the Standard Error of the Mean:
SEM(n) = Ο / βn
As n β β, the value of SEM approaches:
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 Consider a population represented by an area:
A probability sample selects a smaller region:
entirely by chance.
Which statement justifies this as unbiased probability sampling?
Probability sampling requires that every element in the target population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected. When a subset region is selected entirely by chance, subjective human biases or personal preferences are eliminated. This strict randomization balances the selection probabilities across the entire sample space, ensuring an unbiased baseline.
- In statistical theory, a sampling method is defined as a probability sampling method if the selection process relies purely on random mechanisms. When a smaller region is carved out of a population area entirely by chance, it means that every coordinate or segment inside that area follows an objective mathematical probability of selection. Randomization removes systematic researcher selection bias (such as choosing more accessible or aesthetically pleasing sections), which ensures the sample remains representative and fundamentally unbiased, matching Option A.
- Option B β Incorrect because deliberately selecting a region based on subjective criteria like visual appeal introduces non-probability selection bias and removes the random chance requirement.
- Option C β Incorrect because restricting the sample space exclusively to regions near the origin leaves out outlying population areas, resulting in a non-probability convenience cluster.
- Option D β Incorrect because convenience selection directly contradicts the core definition of probability sampling, which requires mathematically verifiable random chances.
Used: Fact Verification
Application: Identify the option that highlights the mathematical objective of true random selection.
Final Logic: Randomization stands as the operational foundation that guarantees equal or known selection opportunities, pointing directly to Option A.
Pure chance eliminates personal preference, keeping the sample clean and unbiased.
2 True probability sampling methods include:
1. Simple random sampling
2. Systematic sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Snowball sampling
Probability sampling methods rely on randomized selection procedures where every element has a known chance of selection. Simple random, systematic, and stratified sampling all use objective mathematical rules to select their samples. Snowball sampling relies on participant referrals, making it a non-probability sampling technique.
- Sampling methods are categorized into probability and non-probability types based on whether they use random selection. Simple random sampling (1), systematic sampling using fixed intervals (2), and stratified sampling using grouped subgroups (3) all use random choice mechanisms where probabilities can be calculated. Snowball sampling (4) relies on existing study subjects recruiting future participants from their personal social networks, which means it does not use a random selection framework. Therefore, only items 1, 2, and 3 qualify as true probability sampling methods, matching Option B.
- Option A β Incorrect because it excludes stratified sampling, which is a true probability sampling method that randomly selects from demographic strata.
- Option C β Incorrect because it includes snowball sampling while omitting systematic sampling, which reverses their technical statistical categories.
- Option D β Incorrect because it includes the non-probability network method (snowball sampling) and leaves out simple random sampling.
Used: Exclusion
Application: Screen out any non-random network techniques from the provided list of sampling methods.
Final Logic: Disqualifying snowball sampling (4) removes options A, C, and D, leaving Option B as the correct answer.
Snowball relies on social connections, while the others rely on mathematical random selections.
3 Arrange the following sampling methods in the correct sequence under non-probability sampling:
1. Purposive sampling
2. Quota sampling
3. Snowball sampling
4. Convenience sampling
The items must be arranged in the exact order requested by the question key. This structural sequence layout begins with item 4 and concludes with item 3. Following the validated sequence yields the order 4, 2, 1, 3.
- To organize these non-probability sampling methods according to the designated question key, the items are sequenced as follows: 1. Convenience sampling (4): Selecting easily accessible participants. 2. Quota sampling (2): Setting specific group numbers without random selection. 3. Purposive sampling (1): Selecting targets intentionally based on researcher judgment. 4. Snowball sampling (3): Expanding the sample through participant referrals. This sequence forms the arrangement 4, 2, 1, 3, matching Option D.
- Option A β Incorrect because it lists the items in a standard numerical sequence (1, 2, 3, 4) instead of the validated non-probability sequence.
- Option B β Incorrect because reversing the numerical list (4, 3, 2, 1) places snowball sampling second instead of last in this sequence.
- Option C β Incorrect because the arrangement 1, 3, 2, 4 does not align with the correct sequence for these items.
Used: Direct Sequence Mapping
Application: Map the target index sequence to match the validated answer layout.
Final Logic: Matching the starting step with item 4 and the final step with item 3 confirms that Option D is the correct choice.
Start with convenience (4), move through structural non-probability methods, and finish with the referral snowball (3).
4 Assertion (A): A teacher selecting students whose roll numbers end in the digit 2 is an example of biased sampling.
Reason (R): This method does not give every student an equal or random chance of selection.
Selecting students based on a specific ending digit is a systematic, non-random choice rather than a pure probability method. Students whose roll numbers end in other digits have a zero percent chance of being chosen for the sample. Because the selection rule leaves out large portions of the class, it introduces structural sampling bias.
- Assertion (A) is true because selecting a sample based on an arbitrary rule like "ending in the digit 2" introduces structural selection bias, as it leaves out students with other ending digits. Reason (R) is true and provides the correct explanation: this method is biased because it fails to give every student an equal or random chance of selection. Because the Reason directly explains why the sampling method in the Assertion is biased, Option C is the correct answer.
- Option A β Incorrect because both statements are factually accurate descriptions of statistical sampling bias.
- Option B β Incorrect because it labels the accurate reason as false, missing the link between non-random selection and bias.
- Option D β Incorrect because it claims the assertion is false, failing to recognize that excluding specific digits introduces bias.
Used: Assertion-Reason Analysis
Application: Evaluate both statements independently first, then determine if the second statement explains the cause of the first.
Final Logic: Since the lack of equal opportunity (R) directly explains why the method is biased (A), R is the correct explanation of A (Option C).
Excluding specific numbers means the selection isn't random (R), which makes the sample biased (A).
5 Which statement is incorrect regarding simple random sampling?
Simple random sampling relies entirely on random selection, ensuring every individual and sample has an equal chance of being chosen. It requires a clearly defined population framework to assign equal selection probabilities. Even with random selection, a sample is a subset that cannot perfectly mirror the population, meaning some sampling error will always exist.
- Simple random sampling uses objective randomization methods (like a lottery or random number tables) where every individual (Option A) and sample combination (Option C) has an equal chance of selection, requiring a defined population frame (Option B). However, no sampling method can guarantee zero sampling error, as a sample is always a subset of the population. Sampling error can be reduced by increasing the sample size, but it is never entirely eliminated, making Option D the incorrect statement and the correct answer.
- Option A β Incorrect choice because it is a true statement; simple random sampling relies entirely on random selection.
- Option B β Incorrect choice because it is a true statement; you must have a complete list of the population to assign equal selection chances.
- Option C β Incorrect choice because it is a true statement; every possible combination of a given size has an identical probability of being drawn.
Used: Keyword Filter
Application: Look for absolute words like "guarantees" or "zero error" that contradict statistical realities.
Final Logic: Because natural variations occur whenever we take a sample, claiming a method "guarantees zero error" is incorrect, making Option D the correct choice.
Samples are subsets of a population, so some degree of sampling error is always expected.
6 A population has elements: . A sample of size is drawn using simple random sampling. What is the probability of selecting the combination ?
In simple random sampling, the order in which items are selected does not matter for the final sample combination. The total number of unique combinations of size \(r\) that can be drawn from a population of size \(n\) is calculated using the formula \({βnC}_{r}\). Because each unique combination has an equal chance of being selected, the probability of drawing any single combination is \(\frac{1}{{βnC}_{r}}\).
- Simple random sampling focuses on selecting subsets where the order of selection does not matter. The total number of ways to choose an un-ordered sample of size \(r\) from a population of size \(n\) is given by the combination formula: \(\left(\frac{n}{r}\right)=^{n}C_{r}=\frac{n!}{r!\left(n-r\right)!}\) Because every single unique sample combination has an equal chance of being drawn, the probability of selecting any one specific combination is equal to 1 divided by the total number of possible combinations (\(\frac{1}{{βnC}_{r}}\)), matching Option A.
- Option B β Incorrect because the permutation formula \({βnP}_{r}\) counts different selection orders as unique samples, which does not apply to un-ordered sample combinations.
- Option C β Incorrect because \(n^{r}\) calculates the total outcomes for sampling with replacement where order matters, which does not apply to simple random sampling configurations.
- Option D β Incorrect because \(\frac{r}{n}\) represents the probability of selecting a single individual item on the first draw, rather than the probability of drawing a complete multi-item combination.
Used: Substitution
Application: Apply the standard probability rule for equally likely outcomes: \(Probability=\frac{1}{TotalΒ Combinations}\).
Final Logic: Since combinations count un-ordered groups, the total number of outcomes is \({βnC}_{r}\), pointing directly to Option A.
Combinations look at the group as a whole without ordering, so we use C (\({βnC}_{r}\)) in the denominator.
7 An inspector selects chips at positions:
Determine the fixed interval and the next selected chip.
Systematic sampling relies on a fixed, constant gap between each selected item in a sequence. Subtracting consecutive positions (\(8-2=6\), \(14-8=6\)) reveals a constant interval of \(k=6\). Adding this interval of 6 to the last observed position (\(20+6\)) identifies the next selected item.
- Systematic sampling involves selecting items at regular, predetermined steps through an ordered group. We can find the sampling interval (\(k\)) by calculating the difference between consecutive selected positions: \(8-2=6\) \(14-8=6\) \(20-14=6\) This confirms the fixed interval is \(k=6\). To find the next position in the sequence, we add the interval of 6 to the last selected position: \(NextΒ position=20+6=26\) This matches the parameters given in Option C.
- Option A β Incorrect because an interval of 5 would generate a sequence of \(2,7,12,17,22\), which does not match the observed data points.
- Option B β Incorrect because an interval of 4 would produce a sequence of \(2,6,10,14,18\), which deviates from the given positions.
- Option D β Incorrect because an interval of 7 would create a sequence of \(2,9,16,23,30\), which does not match the positions in the problem.
Used: Dimensional/Unit Analysis
Application: Calculate the structural difference between the sequential data points to find the step pattern.
Final Logic: The constant difference is 6, and adding 6 to 20 equals 26, which matches only Option C.
Subtract any two consecutive numbers to find the step size, then add that step size to the last number.
8 In systematic sampling, the population can be arranged:
Systematic sampling requires a structured list or framework to select items at regular intervals. This framework can be organized using any logical, consistent sequence, such as alphabetical names or numerical IDs. Restricting the method to a single type of ordering is unnecessary, as any sequential list works for interval selection.
- The key requirement for systematic sampling is that the target population must be organized into a sequential list or framework from which items can be counted and selected at a fixed interval (\(k\)). This list can be organized using any clear, consistent methodβincluding alphabetical rosters, numerical IDs, chronological logs, or geographical arraysβmaking Option B the correct answer.
- Option A β Incorrect because it unnecessarily restricts the method to alphabetical arrangements, ignoring numerical customer registries or files.
- Option C β Incorrect because it limits the organization to descending numerical order, ignoring ascending lists or text-based files.
- Option D β Incorrect because it states the population can only be arranged randomly, overlooking the structured lists used in systematic sampling.
Used: Extreme Word Filter
Application: Identify and filter out options containing restrictive words like "only" that limit valid statistical methods.
Final Logic: Options A, C, and D contain overly restrictive language, leaving Option B as the correct, flexible description.
Any structured list works for systematic intervalsβwhether it's sorted by letters, numbers, or dates.
9 Match List I with List II:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Every fifth student entering school is surveyed | a. Simple random sampling |
| 2. Randomly selecting 10 students from 50 with equal probability | b. Systematic sampling |
| 3. Using telephone directories excluding unlisted numbers | c. Convenience bias |
| 4. Selecting people standing at a mall entrance | d. Unrepresentative sample |
Surveying every fifth person follows a fixed interval, which represents systematic sampling (1 \(\rightarrow\) b). Selecting 10 out of 50 students with equal probability represents simple random sampling (2 \(\rightarrow\) a). Using a phone directory that leaves out unlisted numbers creates an unrepresentative sample framework (3 \(\rightarrow\) d). Surveying people at a mall entrance based on accessibility introduces convenience bias (4 \(\rightarrow\) c).
- Let's pair each item from List I with its description in List II: Every fifth student entering school is surveyed uses a fixed counting step, which describes systematic sampling (1-b). Randomly selecting 10 students from 50 with equal probability gives every group an equal chance, describing simple random sampling (2-a). Using telephone directories excluding unlisted numbers leaves out a specific part of the population, creating an unrepresentative sample (3-d). Selecting people standing at a mall entrance relies on easy physical accessibility, introducing convenience bias (4-c). This complete set of pairs matches Option A.
- Option B β Incorrect because it pairs a fixed-interval count with simple random sampling (1-a), swapping the core sampling definitions.
- Option C β Incorrect because it matches the equal-chance student selection with an unrepresentative sample label (2-d).
- Option D β Incorrect because it connects the fixed-interval choice with convenience bias labels from the start (1-c).
Used: Direct Concept Matching
Application: Pair the clear procedural definitions first, such as linking fixed intervals with systematic sampling (\(1\rightarrow b\)).
Final Logic: Finding the option that pairs 1-b and 2-a allows us to isolate Option A as the correct choice.
Fixed intervals mean systematic sampling (1-b); equal probability means simple random sampling (2-a).
10 Assertion (A): Selecting one student randomly via lottery every week is an unbiased method.
Reason (R): It follows simple random sampling where each individual has a chance of selection.
A properly run lottery system is an objective way to select individuals entirely by chance. Because selections are made randomly, no personal preferences or human biases can influence the outcome. Giving every individual an equal chance of selection explains why the method is unbiased.
- Assertion (A) is true because a lottery system relies on pure chance, making it an unbiased way to choose a student. Reason (R) is true and provides the correct explanation: a lottery is a form of simple random sampling where every individual has an equal chance of selection. Because the random selection process explained in the Reason is exactly what makes the method in the Assertion unbiased, Option C is the correct answer.
- Option A β Incorrect because both statements are factually accurate descriptions of how simple random sampling works.
- Option B β Incorrect because it labels the reason as false, ignoring the fact that lotteries give everyone an equal selection chance.
- Option D β Incorrect because it claims the assertion is false, failing to recognize that a random lottery is an unbiased selection method.
Used: Assertion-Reason Analysis
Application: Test each statement on its own first, then verify if the reason explains why the assertion is true.
Final Logic: Since having an equal selection chance (R) explains why the lottery method is unbiased (A), R is the correct explanation of A (Option C).
Lotteries give everyone an equal, random chance (R), which naturally prevents selection bias (A).
11 For a sample to fulfill the conditions of a representative sample, which criteria must it satisfy?
1. It must completely lack random selection
2. The sampling process must include a component of random selection
3. The sample size must be extremely small to artificially limit variability
4. The sample size must be sufficiently large to reflect variability
Representation requires randomness + adequate size Small samples increase error, not representativeness Non-random methods are biased
A representative sample must reflect the population structure without systematic bias. This is achieved when: A random selection component (Statement 2) is included so every unit has a known chance of selection. A sufficiently large sample size (Statement 4) ensures variability is captured and sampling error is reduced. Statement 1 is incorrect because absence of random selection leads to bias. Statement 3 is incorrect because very small samples increase variability and reduce reliability. Thus, only 2 and 4 satisfy representativeness.
- Option A β Includes 1 and 3, both contradict representativeness
- Option C β Includes 1 (wrong) along with correct 2 and 4
- Option D β Includes 3 (incorrect small sample idea)
Used: Elimination
Application: Remove statements violating randomness and sample size principles
Final Logic: Only randomness + adequate size define representativeness
"R + L = Real sample" (Random + Large)
12 According to the Central Limit Theorem, if the sample size is sufficiently large (nβ₯30), the sampling distribution approximates which shape, regardless of the population distribution?
CLT ensures normality for large samples Works even if population is non-normal n β₯ 30 is the standard rule of thumb
The Central Limit Theorem states that as sample size increases, the sampling distribution of the mean approaches a normal distribution, regardless of population shape. This is a foundational NCERT result in inferential statistics.
- Option A β Uniform shape is unrelated to CLT
- Option B β Exponential is a different distribution family
- Option C β Parabolic curve is not a statistical sampling result
Used: Extreme Word Filter
Application: Identify known CLT outcome among unrelated shapes
Final Logic: Only normal distribution is CLT-consistent
"CLT β Central = Curve turns Normal"
13 In a sample of 1,000 Indian cricket fans, 75% are male. Assuming this sample is representative, estimate the number of male fans in a population of 2,000,000.
Proportion of males = 75% Apply proportion to population 0.75 Γ 2,000,000 = 1,500,000
If 75% of a representative sample is male, the same proportion applies to the population. So, male population = 75% of 2,000,000 = 1,500,000.
- Option A β 50% assumption incorrect
- Option B β 62.5% mismatch
- Option D β 87.5% incorrect inflation
Used: Substitution
Application: Direct proportional scaling from sample to population
Final Logic: Same percentage applied to total population
"Same % β Same world"
14 A researcher surveys the first 50 people entering a shopping mall on a weekday morning regarding employment status.
This sampling method primarily suffers from:
Sample taken from easily available group Not random Time/location-based distortion exists
Selecting the first 50 people entering a mall is based on ease of access, not randomness. This leads to convenience bias, a type of non-probability sampling where selection is driven by availability.
- Option B β No fixed interval selection rule
- Option C β No randomization involved
- Option D β No grouping into strata
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching
Application: Match description with known sampling types
Final Logic: "First available people" = convenience sampling
"First come = First bias"
15 Identify the incorrect statement regarding sampling biases:
Bias never guarantees correctness It introduces distortion Other options correctly define biases
Biases such as response bias, voluntary response bias, and convenience bias all distort results. They do not guarantee equality between sample statistics and population parameters. Hence option D is fundamentally incorrect.
- Option A β Correct definition
- Option B β Correct description of undercoverage
- Option C β Correct convenience bias definition
Used: Extreme Word Filter
Application: Identify absolute/false guarantee statement
Final Logic: Bias cannot guarantee correctness
"Bias = distortion, never perfection"
16 Arrange the correct sequence of steps for conducting a sampling study:
1. Determine sample size
2. Choose sampling method
3. Identify and define target population
4. Collect data
5. Select sampling frame
Start with population definition Then frame selection Then method and size Finally data collection
Proper sampling procedure: 1. Define target population (3) 2. Select sampling frame (5) 3. Choose method (2) 4. Determine sample size (1) 5. Collect data (4)
- Option A β Incorrect final step order
- Option C β Random ordering not logical
- Option D β Frame and population misplaced
Used: Logical sequencing
Application: Arrange steps of research methodology
Final Logic: Population β Frame β Method β Size β Data
"PFM-SD rule"
17 Sampling error is defined as:
x Λ - ΞΌ
If x Λ = 55 and the sampling error is -5, find ΞΌ.
Error = sample mean β population mean Substitute values Solve algebraically
Given: 55 β ΞΌ = -5 β ΞΌ = 60
- Option A β Wrong rearrangement
- Option C β Miscalculation
- Option D β Not meaningful in context
Used: Substitution
Application: Direct equation solving
Final Logic: Rearranging error formula gives ΞΌ = 60
"Mean = Sample β Error"
18 Assertion (A): Even perfectly random samples contain sampling errors.
Reason (R): Random samples may differ numerically from the population due to inherent variability.
Random sampling reduces bias, not error Variability always exists Reason explains assertion
Even in perfect random sampling, sampling error exists due to natural variability in data. Different samples produce different means, explaining why errors cannot be eliminated completely.
- Option A β Both statements are true
- Option B β Reason is correct
- Option D β Assertion is correct
Used: Causal reasoning
Application: Link variability with error existence
Final Logic: Variability explains unavoidable sampling error
"Random β Perfect match"
19 Given:
ΞΌ = 100, xΜβ = 98, xΜβ = 105, xΜβ = 100
Sampling error vector:
Eβ = (eβ, eβ, eβ), eα΅’ = xΜα΅’ β ΞΌ
Find Eβ.
Subtract population mean from each sample mean Compute individually Form vector
eβ = 98 β 100 = -2 eβ = 105 β 100 = 5 eβ = 100 β 100 = 0 So, Eβ = (-2, 5, 0)
- Option B β Sign error
- Option C β Uses raw means instead of differences
- Option D β Incorrect scaling
Used: Substitution
Application: Direct computation of vector components
Final Logic: Each component = deviation from ΞΌ
"Error = minus mean"
20 Given the Standard Error of the Mean:
SEM(n) = Ο / βn
As n β β, the value of SEM approaches:
Denominator increases infinitely Fraction decreases Limit tends to zero
As sample size increases, βn becomes very large, making Ο/βn approach 0. Hence, standard error decreases with increasing sample size.
- Option A β Opposite behavior
- Option B β Incorrect constant assumption
- Option C β No mathematical basis
Used: Limit behavior
Application: Analyze function as n grows
Final Logic: Increasing denominator β zero limit
"Big n β small error"
