Question

answer in the simplest way
(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.

(b)

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

Answer 1

(a) Sample survey — simple design and random selection
- Define the population: all students at his school.
- Write one clear question, e.g. “What is your favorite video game?” with a short list of choices + “other.”
- Decide a sample size (for example 100 students).
- Get a complete list of students (roster) or class lists.
- Choose randomly: either
- Simple random sample: assign each student a number and use a random-number generator (or draw numbers from a hat) to pick the sample, or
- Stratified sample (optional): pick proportional random samples from each grade so all grades are represented.
- Give the survey (paper or online), make it anonymous and voluntary, and record results.
- Avoid leading questions and try to get a high response rate so results represent the school.

(b) Observational study — how to do it and limitations
- Watch and record which games students actually play in public settings (lunch, school gaming club, tournaments) over several days.
- Count how many students play each game and use those counts to infer the most popular game.
- Or use existing records (gaming-club sign-ups, tournament entries).
- Note limitations: you only see public behavior (not private play or true preference), and the sample may be biased toward students who play at school.