Identify the type of sampling used (random, systematic, convenience, stratified, or cluster sampling) in the situation described below. A woman is selected by a marketing company to participate in a paid focus group. The company says that the woman was selected because everyone in five randomly selected towns was being selected. Which type of sampling did the marketing company use?

A) Stratified sampling

B) Systematic sampling

C) Random sampling

D) Convenience sampling

E) Cluster sampling

Stratified sampling method - where population were divided into different groups called strata and the sample is then drawn from EACH group.

Systematic sampling method - sampling method using probability where elements are chosen from a target population.

Random sampling - each sample chosen has equal probability to be chosen.

Convenience sampling method - Not a random sampling method where the sample is being chosen as per ease of access.

Cluster sampling method - population were divided into different groups as known as clusters. The clusters were then chosen randomly as the samples. Each individuals in the clusters chosen are used as the samples.

Answer: E. Cluster sampling where selected towns refer to the clusters and were chosen randomly.