Sample/Population

Learning Intention: You will learn about...

• the use of sampling in research and its relation to the population.

Success Criteria: You will be able to...

• Define population and sample.

• Identify populations and sample groups.

• Draw a diagram of the relationship between samples and populations.

Key Terms:

• Sample

• Population

• Research

Application Tasks:

• Sample and population chocolate activity

• Draw a diagram to show the relationship between a sample and a population.

• For the following research samples, identify two different populations from which each sample could be drawn. 

  1. 20 year 10 girls and 20 year 10 boys 

  2. 40 teachers who have been teaching for more than 10 years 

  3. 100 employees on leave from work because of stress-related reasons (

  4. 30 adults diagnosed as having an anxiety disorder 

• For the following research questions, identify a sample that might be used to conduct the research and a population from which the sample could be drawn. 

  1. Are people who wear uniforms at school or work more likely to be obedient to an authority figure? 

  2. How can people with a fear of flying be assisted to overcome their fear? 

  3. Are children born to mothers aged over 40 years at greater risk of developing a mental disorder? 

  4. Is it easier for men or women to give up smoking?