A superintendent of a school system is interested in how the teachers working at the schools feel about the current professional development offerings, so they use the employee dashboard to randomly select 60 teachers for their survey. As it happens, approximately two teachers from each grade are chosen, and there is about the same number of teachers for each major discipline. Is this a simple random sample? Is it a representative sample?

• A. Yes; Yes
• B. Yes; No
• C. No; Yes
• D. No; No

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: A simple random sample (SRS) is one where every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, and the selection of one individual does not influence the selection of another. A representative sample is one that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population being studied.
2. Analyze the sampling method: The superintendent used the employee dashboard to randomly select 60 teachers. However, the description mentions that approximately two teachers from each grade and an equal number of teachers from each major discipline were chosen. This suggests that the selection process was stratified rather than purely random.
3. Determine if it is a simple random sample: Since the selection process involved ensuring representation from specific grades and disciplines, it does not meet the criteria for a simple random sample. Therefore, it is not a simple random sample.
4. Evaluate if it is a representative sample: The sample includes teachers from all grades and major disciplines, which suggests that it is likely representative of the population of teachers in the school system.
5. Conclude the answer: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is 'No; Yes' because the sample is not a simple random sample but is representative of the population.