Question

For each of the following, identify if the error is a sampling error or a non-sampling error. Then label each error as undercoverage, processing error, nonresponse, response error, or question wording bias.

A. Emily is studying the average number of bean pods that grow on a single vine. She counts the number of bean pods on the first vine as 34, however, when she records the number she accidentally writes 4.

B. John wants to know about the prevalence of illegal drug use on college campuses in America. He interviews college students in person and asks them about their use of illegal drugs. The first student he interviews reports that they have never used illegal drugs, even though they have.

Answer 1

Answer

(A) It is a non sampling error because error in the data is found after the selection process. Sample selection was good, but error is found in the data entry process. So, this is a processing error because the error is found while processing the data from selection to records.

So, it is a processing error of non-sampling type.

(B) It is a non sampling error because error is not found in the selection process, error is present in the response given by students. It is a response biasing example because some students must be there in the sample who are not willing to participate in this survey due to their social image or students dont want to reveal the truth.

So, it is a response biasing and non-sampling error