The student council of a high school wants to know what foods students most often buy from the school cafeteria. Which of the following methods would generate a representative sample?
Option #1: Surveying 100 random students in the school.
Option #2: Surveying the students in the junior and senior classes over a period of one week.
Option #3: Surveying all students in the lunchroom cafeteria during one lunch period.
Option #1: Surveying 100 random students in the school. This option would generate a representative sample as it includes students from various grades and does not focus on a specific group, ensuring a diverse range of responses.
Option #2: Surveying the students in the junior and senior classes over a period of one week. While this option could still provide valuable insights, it may not capture the preferences of students in other grades, potentially leading to a skewed sample.
Option #3: Surveying all students in the lunchroom cafeteria during one lunch period. This option would not generate a representative sample as it only includes students who are present during that specific lunch period, possibly leaving out a significant portion of the student body.