You are given a collection of straws of different lengths. There are six 12" straws, twelve 6" straws, and twenty-four 3" straws for a total of 42 straws with an average length of 5.143". All items are placed into a bag, and you are instructed to pull out a straw, record the length, return the straw to the bag, and shake the bag to mix the contents before selecting again. After completing these steps 20 times, you determine a sample average of 4.625".

a) (1) Simple random sampling is demonstrated in this scenario. Explain how this situation fits the definition of the sampling method.

b) (3) The population parameter, sample statistic, and sampling method are provided in the scenario and part a. Identify three additional concepts from Chapter 1 illustrated by this scenario and explain how these concepts are represented in this example.