Sampling Methods & Sample Size MCQ Quiz | Biostatistics

Welcome to the Biostatistics quiz on Sampling Methods and Sample Size, designed specifically for MBBS students. This quiz will test your understanding of fundamental concepts such as probability and non-probability sampling techniques, factors influencing sample size determination, sampling errors, and bias. A solid grasp of these topics is crucial for conducting and interpreting medical research effectively. This quiz contains 25 multiple-choice questions to help you assess your knowledge and prepare for your exams. After submitting your answers, you’ll see your score and a detailed review of each question. You can also download a PDF copy of all questions with their correct answers for future revision. Good luck!

1. Which of the following is a key characteristic of probability sampling?

2. A researcher selects every 10th patient from a hospital’s admission register. This is an example of:

3. In order to study the prevalence of diabetes in a country, the population is first divided into urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, and then a simple random sample is drawn from each group. This technique is called:

4. The list of all units in the population from which a sample is selected is known as the:

5. Which of the following is an example of non-probability sampling?

6. An error that occurs due to chance variation when a sample is drawn from a population is called:

7. When a researcher interviews the first 50 people they meet outside a shopping mall, they are using:

8. To increase the precision of a sample estimate, what should be done to the sample size?

9. To achieve a higher level of confidence (e.g., 99% instead of 95%) in the results, the required sample size will typically:

10. In cluster sampling, the sampling unit is:

11. What is the main disadvantage of convenience sampling?

12. The power of a study is the probability of:

13. A Type II error (beta) occurs when a researcher:

14. A researcher wants to ensure that the sample includes specific subgroups in the same proportions as they exist in the population (e.g., 50% male, 50% female). This is a characteristic of:

15. As the variability (standard deviation) of the characteristic being measured in the population increases, the required sample size:

16. A study is conducted by first sampling states, then districts within states, then villages within districts, and finally households within villages. This is an example of:

17. Bias in sampling refers to:

18. In a clinical trial, if the expected effect size of a new drug is very small, what is the implication for the required sample size to detect this effect?

19. Which of the following is NOT a probability sampling method?

20. A sampling frame is not required for which of the following sampling methods?

21. The “design effect” is a concept most relevant to which sampling method?

22. The primary purpose of stratified sampling is to:

23. A researcher studying a rare disease contacts a few patients and asks them to refer other patients they know. This is an example of:

24. A pilot study is often conducted before a large-scale study primarily to:

25. The margin of error in a sample estimate is inversely related to: