What characterizes a random sample?

A random sample is characterized by the principle that every individual within the population has an equal chance of being selected for the study. This approach aims to eliminate bias in the selection process, ensuring that the sample accurately reflects the broader population. By giving each member of the population an equal opportunity to be included, results derived from the sample are more likely to be generalizable and representative of the entire group.

In contrast, selecting only specific groups, choosing participants based on convenience, or making selections based on researcher preference can introduce bias and limit the ability to generalize findings to the entire population. Such methods can skew the results and fail to capture the diversity within the population, which undermines the validity of the research. Random sampling is fundamental in research for achieving reliable and valid outcomes that can inform conclusions about the population as a whole.