A demonstration of the necessity for care in sampling

Effect of Sample Size on Sampling Error: An Experiment for Introductory Analytical Chemistry

“…Classroom activities have also been reported that illustrate sampling error (10)(11)(12), and the mathematics of how sample size affects sampling error has been dealt with in detail (13)(14). A very early laboratory experiment reported in this Journal demonstrated the importance of a homogeneous sample by presenting the students with solid samples that were intentionally heterogeneous (15).…”

Implementation of a Python Program to Simulate Sampling

“…Collecting a sample representative of the bulk, or sampling, is required for proper analytical technique. Several experiments and activities on the concept of sampling have been published previously including in-lab activities − and in-the-classroom activities that do not involve chemical manipulation. ,− Within the subset of in-the-classroom activities, there is focus on sample size, , particle size, ,, number of replicate samples, , and sampling statistics. ,− ,, Often, the classroom activities utilize small objects and involve calculations such as relative standard deviation, the mass of sample, and number of replicates required to give a certain standard deviation. ,, The activity discussed herein combines the concepts and learning objectives of these published works into one comprehensive activity with a simulation component.…”

A Demonstration of Sample Segregation

“…Success in chemical analysis depends on starting with a good sample (1). A good sample accurately represents the bulk material from which it is taken.…”