AP Statistics Flashcards: Potential Problems with Sampling
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 16 cards to help you master important concepts.
Define nonresponse bias.
Nonresponse bias occurs when individuals chosen for the sample cannot be reached or refuse to respond.
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Define nonresponse bias.
Nonresponse bias occurs when individuals chosen for the sample cannot be reached or refuse to respond.
What is bias in the context of sampling?
Bias occurs when certain responses are systematically favored over others in a sampling method.
What is undercoverage bias?
Undercoverage bias occurs when part of the population has a reduced chance of being included in the sample.
A survey question asks, 'Don't you agree that the new school lunch program is a massive improvement?' What type of bias could this wording cause?
This is a leading question that could cause response bias by influencing how people answer.
What is the fundamental difference between undercoverage and nonresponse bias?
Undercoverage happens during the design phase when some groups can't be selected, while nonresponse happens after the sample is chosen when individuals don't participate.
What are the four main potential sources of bias in sampling methods mentioned in the text?
The four main sources are voluntary response bias, undercoverage bias, nonresponse bias, and response bias.
Define voluntary response bias.
Voluntary response bias occurs when a sample is comprised entirely of volunteers.
An online poll asks visitors to a website to share their opinion on a political candidate. What type of bias is most likely?
This is an example of voluntary response bias, as the sample is comprised entirely of volunteers who choose to participate.
A survey of a city's residents is conducted using a telephone directory, which omits people with unlisted numbers. What bias is this?
This is undercoverage bias because part of the population (those with unlisted numbers) has a reduced chance of being included in the sample.
What is response bias?
Response bias results from problems in the data gathering process, such as the use of leading questions.
How does response bias differ from other types of sampling bias?
Response bias stems from the data collection process itself (e.g., question wording), not from who is or isn't in the sample.
A research firm calls 1,000 randomly selected people for a survey, but 600 of them hang up immediately. What bias should be a concern?
This is a potential source of nonresponse bias, as the individuals who refused to respond may differ significantly from those who participated.
Which type of bias occurs when a sample is made up entirely of people who choose to participate?
This is known as voluntary response bias.
Which type of bias occurs when selected individuals cannot be contacted or refuse to cooperate?
This is known as nonresponse bias.
Why do non-random sampling methods introduce potential for bias?
They introduce potential for bias because they do not use chance, which can lead to certain responses being systematically favored.
What is the core principle that, when absent, introduces potential bias in sampling?
The use of chance in selecting the sample is the core principle; non-random methods that do not use chance introduce potential for bias.