Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A representative sample refers to a group of individuals that accurately represents the larger population from which it is drawn. It ensures that the characteristics and diversity of the sample mirror those of the entire population.
This term refers to when certain members of a population are more likely to be included in a sample than others, leading to an unrepresentative sample.
Random Sampling: This method involves selecting individuals from a population at random, ensuring each member has an equal chance of being chosen for the sample.
Stratified Sampling: In stratified sampling, researchers divide the population into subgroups or strata based on specific characteristics and then randomly select participants from each subgroup to create a representative sample.