Selecting some subset of records from a data set is called ________ the data.

• A. Selecting
• B. Sampling
• C. Subsetting
• D. Curation

Answer: (B)

This question tests the idea of taking a subset of data to make inferences about the whole dataset. This specific activity is called sampling. The value of sampling lies in analyzing a smaller, manageable portion while still aiming to accurately reflect the characteristics of the entire data, such as its average, variability, or distribution. Proper sampling uses randomness or structured methods like stratification to minimize bias and to ensure the sample represents the broader population.

Other terms describe related ideas but not quite the same purpose. Subsetting or filtering refers to creating a smaller dataset by applying criteria to the data you already have, which is a data manipulation step rather than a method for drawing inferences about the whole population. Selecting can be a generic term for choosing records, but it doesn’t inherently convey the idea of inference about the whole population. Curation focuses on collection, organization, and maintenance of data quality rather than the deliberate extraction of a representative sample for analysis.