I have two questions

Ask questions about projects relating to: biology, biochemistry, genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology/toxicology, zoology, human behavior, archeology, anthropology, political science, sociology, geology, environmental science, oceanography, seismology, weather, or atmosphere.

Moderators: AmyCowen, kgudger, MadelineB, Moderators

Locked
doughcook
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2013 12:39 pm
Occupation: student 11
Project Question: I have a question about sampling from a population
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

I have two questions

Post by doughcook »

Hey :)

I was wondering, why do scientists (when conducting experiments) need to sample from a population rather than using an entire population??

And....In an experiment, what are the disadvantages of having too small or too large of a sample size??? :?:

Thank you :mrgreen:
Top
deleted-72052
Former Expert
Posts: 70
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:35 pm
Occupation: Retired Electronics Engineer from Motorola Solutions
Project Question: n/a
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: I have two questions

Post by deleted-72052 »

Simply stated this is a matter of statistics. Statistical analysis shows us that smaller samples have a larger percentage of error compared to larger samples. When taking samples from an entire population may be impractical (as in an opinion poll) a sample is taken which is just large enough to produce an acceptable percentage of error. I hope that helps
Gerry Gruenbaum
Science Buddies "Ask an Expert" Volunteer
Top
Locked

Return to “Grades 9-12: Life, Earth, and Social Sciences”