Question

(a)
Samuel is interested in finding out the favorite video game of other students ​at his school.

Part A:
Samuel decides he is going to conduct a sample survey to answer ​this question.
​Explain how he could design his survey and how he ​could randomly choose those who will take the survey.
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(b)

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​Part B:
Explain how an observational study could also be used to answer this ​question.​
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Answer 1

Part A — Sample survey (how to design it and randomly choose respondents)

1. Define the population and sampling frame
- Population: all students at Samuel’s school.
- Sampling frame: an up-to-date list of all enrolled students (school roster).

2. Choose a sampling method
- Simple random sample (SRS): give each student a number and use a random-number generator to pick the sample.
- Or stratified random sample: divide students by grade (or gender, or school program) and randomly sample within each stratum so the sample matches the school’s composition.
- Or cluster sample: randomly select whole classes/periods and survey every student in those classes (useful if time/resources are limited).

3. Decide sample size
- Choose enough students for reasonably precise results (larger is better). Practical constraints (time, permission) matter.

4. Design the questionnaire
- Ask one clear, neutral question such as: “What is your favorite video game?” Provide a list of common choices plus “Other (please specify)” and “I don’t play video games.”
- Keep it short to improve response rate; avoid leading or double-barreled questions.
- Pilot-test the question on a few students to check clarity.

5. Administer the survey and protect data quality
- Use anonymous responses to reduce social-desirability bias.
- Collect responses in a consistent way (online form, paper in class).
- Follow up nonrespondents to reduce nonresponse bias.

6. Example of random selection (SRS)
- Put every student’s name/ID in a spreadsheet, assign numbers 1…N, then use a random-number generator to select the needed sample size. Invite those selected to complete the survey.

Part B — Observational study approach

1. What an observational study would do
- Instead of asking students, Samuel would watch student behavior in natural settings and record which video games students actually play (for example during lunch, free periods, after-school clubs, or on school computers/consoles).

2. How to carry it out
- Define observation settings (cafeteria, computer lab, gaming club), and randomly choose times and locations to observe so observations are representative.
- Use a standardized recording sheet (game title, time, age/grade of player if visible) and train observers so everyone records the same way.
- Use multiple observation sessions at different times/days to capture typical behavior.

3. Ethics and privacy
- Obtain school approval and follow privacy rules; avoid recording personally identifying information without consent.

4. Strengths and limitations
- Strengths: measures actual behavior (what students play) rather than self-reported favorites; less subject to some reporting biases.
- Limitations: what students play in observed settings may not equal their true “favorite”; some students may play at home only and be missed; observational sampling can miss private behavior and raises privacy/consent concerns.

Short comparison: a survey directly asks for “favorite” (best for measuring preference), while an observational study records real playing behavior (best for measuring actual usage). Using both methods together can give a fuller picture.