How does a researcher ensure their sample is representative of the population?

A researcher ensures that their sample is representative of the population primarily by using random sampling techniques. This method allows every member of the population an equal chance of being selected, which minimizes bias and enhances the generalizability of the findings. When a sample is randomly selected, it is more likely to mirror the diverse characteristics of the overall population, therefore ensuring that the conclusions drawn from the study are applicable to the larger group.

The advantages of random sampling lie in its ability to mitigate selection bias. In contrast, non-random sampling techniques may introduce systematic differences between the sample and the population, leading to potential inaccuracies in the results. Increasing the sample size can improve the reliability of results and increase the precision of estimates, but a larger sample still needs to be randomly selected to be representative. Similarly, choosing the most accessible participants can lead to convenience sampling, which does not guarantee that the sample reflects the population's characteristics. Thus, random sampling is key to achieving a representative sample.