Please review the initial instructions, my response, and the follow-up response and question assist in providing a good response. Thank you,

INITIAL INSTRUCTION:

Consider the following statistical studies:

1. A study (in Georgia) of the effect of eating oatmeal on lowering cholesterol.

2. A study of current GMC students next career move after graduating or transferring from GMC.

3.A study of how many cars run the red light at a certain intersection in Macon, GA.

For each study above, address the following questions:

a) What is the population of interest? Approximately, how many people are in the population of interest? (Recall, the definition of a population is: The collection of all outcomes, responses, measurements, or counts that are of interest.)

b) What is the best data collection method to use for the study (explain)? (Recall, data collection methods are: Observation, Survey, Experiment, Simulation).

c) For one of the three studies, a census is possible. Determine which one and then explain why a census is possible for that study and is not possible for the other two studies. (A census means that we are able to collect data from every unit in the population. Most of the time the population is too large for a census to be feasible)

d) For the two studies where a census is not possible, how many people, students, or cars would you sample out of the population? What sampling technique would you use (see section 1.3)? (Explain your reasoning)

MY RESPONSE:

1. A study (in Georgia) of the effect of eating oatmeal on lowering cholesterol.

The population of interest:

The population of interest would be all people under Georgia who eat oatmeal not only by themselves but also by families who could benefit from the product. To count the real number of inhabitants is difficult, but the 2019 United States Census reveals that Georgia consists of 10.62 million people.

Best data collection method

In this research, the best data discovery approach is the experimentation. It would help to do so by dividing all individuals into two groups: a control group (people who do not eat oatmeal) and a treatment group (people who eat oatmeal) in a random manner. The cholesterol levels of participants will be recorded before and after the study is completed.

Possibility of a census

Census is not possible for this study. It would be unfeasible to measure data from all Georgians who buy oatmeal. Furthermore, oatmeal is a broad concept, and it is not straightforward to tell who precisely consumes oatmeal because information on it is not easily accessible.

Sample size and sampling technique

The sample size should consist of at least 1000 individuals for this investigation to be effective. For simplicity, a simple random sample would be the best selection method since it ensures that every individual in the population has an opportunity to be chosen.

2.A study of current GMC student's next career move after graduating or transferring from GMC.

The population of interest

The focus group to be considered will be formed by all active Georgia Military College students who are expecting either an exclusive graduation or a transfer to another institute of higher learning. Number 9000 of the total student population is the figure published on the official website of GMC.

Best data collection method

Studying the impact of dietary choices on environmental sustainability will require using a survey as a data collection method. It entailed developing a questionnaire and subsequently disseminating it among a sample of enrolled GMC students. Students could share their responses, which will be measured according to the next activity they should do.

Possibility of a census

A census is not possible for this study because the population is too large. Furthermore, the compilation of data from every student would require much effort since there are different kinds of constraints, just like in logistics.

Sample size and sampling technique

A practical sample size of 500 students is needed for this particular study. A stratified random sampling technique may be applied to provide a seat for each department and multiple campus boards for all GMC students.

3. A study of how many cars run the red light at a certain intersection in Macon, GA.

The population of interest

A sample population would consist of videos recorded of all of the cars that pass through the specific intersection situated in Macon, GA. However, the exact number of cars is not immediately ascertained, but it can be assumed to be in the thousands or tens of thousands (depending on the traffic).

Best data collection method

The most preferable data collection method for this study is participant observation. By using automation capabilities, the study could ultimately record the number of drivers who ignorantly violate the red light.

Possibility of a census

The assessment should be in the form of a census, as researchers could most probably observe every car departing or entering from the intersection. Such structures to be built should be able to direct traffic, and therefore, the number of vehicles passing through would be controllable.

Sample size and sampling technique

In this research, sample size would not be necessary whether a census was implemented or any other data collection method was utilized. Nevertheless, this method could be used, and researchers could observe and get data associated with real traffic flow by observing situations during a specific period in order to get a representative sample. In addition to stratified sampling, the days of the week or times can be tried to get their representation.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:

For the red light study, you recommended participant observation with the help of automated tools. A data collector could use a clicker to track each car that runs a red light. However, the collector must pay attention and not be distracted by outside factors (like curious passers-by asking what you're doing).

For the study on the effects of eating oatmeal on lowering cholesterol, you mentioned using experimentation as the best data collection method. Could you discuss any potential ethical considerations or practical challenges that researchers might encounter when conducting such an experiment on human subjects? How would you address these concerns?