Question

In Exercises 1.32 to \(1.35,\) describe the sample and describe a reasonable population. A sociologist conducting a survey at a mall interviews 120 people about their cell phone use.

Short answer

The sample is the 120 people interviewed at the mall. A reasonable population would be all cell phone users who visit shopping malls.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Sample

The sample is the group of individuals that were directly observed in the study. In this case, the sample consists of the 120 people who were interviewed by the sociologist at the mall about their cell phone use.

Describe a Reasonable Population

The population is the larger group to which the findings of the study can be generalized. So, it should consist of individuals who share common characteristics with those in the sample group. Considering that the sociologist conducted the survey at a mall, a possible population could be described as 'all individuals who visit shopping malls.' However, since the survey regards cell phone use, a more appropriate description would be 'all cell phone users who visit shopping malls.'

Key concepts

Survey Methodology

When conducting surveys, researchers employ a specific set of techniques and principles known as 'survey methodology'. This is a crucial component of sociological research, aiming to obtain accurate information about a group of individuals by selecting and studying a smaller, manageable representation—or sample—of that group.

In the context of the given exercise, the sociologist uses survey methodology at a mall to interview 120 people about their cell phone usage. This methodology encompasses several key steps, starting with the design of the survey, which involves defining the target population, creating the questionnaire, and choosing the sampling technique.

Next is the implementation, where the actual data collection takes place. The sociologist must also consider potential biases and errors that could affect the validity of the results, such as non-response bias or sampling bias. Lastly, the analysis and interpretation of the data gathered through the interviews generates findings that can be generalized to a larger population, in this case, potentially 'all cell phone users who visit shopping malls'. Ensuring the reliability and validity of the survey findings is a primary goal of survey methodology.

Sociological Research

Sociological research explores the social behaviors, patterns, and structures within a society. It utilizes various methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, and analysis of historical and administrative records to gain insights into human social interactions. The purpose of sociological research is to understand how individuals and groups coexist and influence each other within social contexts.

The sociologist's study from the exercise is an example of applied research that is focused on specific practical outcomes—in this case, understanding cell phone usage among mall-goers. To generalize the results effectively, sociologists analyze data meticulously, frequently employing statistical techniques to infer trends and correlations. The validity of sociological research hinges on how well the sample represents the target population and how rigorously the analysis is conducted.

Cell Phone Usage Statistics

Cell phone usage statistics are critical for understanding various aspects of modern social interactions and behaviors. This field of statistics gathers data on how, why, and when individuals use their cell phones, enabling researchers and policymakers to identify trends, patterns, and areas of concern, such as distracted driving or technology access gaps.

In the exercise provided, the sociologist aims to acquire such statistics by surveying a sample of the public. To enhance the study's relevance, it would be beneficial for the sociologist to gather demographic information, such as age, gender, income level, and frequency of mall visits, providing a more comprehensive view of cell phone usage among different societal groups. Detailed cell phone usage statistics not only inform business strategies for technology companies but also help address sociocultural issues related to technology's role in daily life.