Random sample

A sample selected so that each member of the sampling frame has an equal chance of inclusion.

A sample selected so that every member of the population has an equal chance of inclusion.

A random sample gives every member an equal chance of selection. A researcher could use a random number generator to select entries from a complete list. This reduces the researcher’s influence over who is chosen, but an incomplete list or refusals to participate can still undermine representativeness.

A random sample gives each member an equal chance of selection; it does not guarantee a representative final sample, especially if people refuse to participate.

A sample selected so that each member of the population has an equal chance of inclusion.

A sample selected by chance, with each member of the sampling frame having an equal chance of selection.

A sampling technique is the procedure used to select participants. It is separate from the research method used to collect information: a researcher might select a random sample and then give those people a questionnaire.

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AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

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Eduqas GCSE Sociology · C200