| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | S2 (Statistics 2) |
| Marks | 4 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Data representation |
| Type | Identify and compare sampling techniques |
| Difficulty | Easy -1.8 This is a purely definitional question requiring only recall of basic sampling terminology with no calculation, problem-solving, or statistical technique application. It tests understanding of fundamental concepts (census vs sample, sampling units) that are introductory even within S2, making it significantly easier than average A-level questions. |
| Spec | 2.01a Population and sample: terminology2.01c Sampling techniques: simple random, opportunity, etc2.01d Select/critique sampling: in context |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Census considers whole population; survey looks at a subset | B1 | |
| (b) Census: ask the whole village; Survey: ask a proportion | B1 B1 | |
| (c) The sampling units are the individual residents | B1 | Total: 4 marks |
(a) Census considers whole population; survey looks at a subset | B1 |
(b) Census: ask the whole village; Survey: ask a proportion | B1 B1 |
(c) The sampling units are the individual residents | B1 | Total: 4 marks\begin{enumerate}
\item (a) Briefly describe the difference between a census and a sample survey.\\
(b) Illustrate the difference by considering the case of a village council which has to decide whether or not to build a new village hall.
\end{enumerate}
Given that the council decides to use a sample survey,\\
(c) suggest suitable sampling units.\\
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel S2 Q1 [4]}}