Random Sample

What is a random sample?

A sophisticated form of sampling in which all members of the target population have an equal chance of being selected.

How to select a random sample: (first)

A complete list of all members of the target population is obtained.

How to select a random sample: (second)

All of the names on the list are assigned a number

How to select a random sample:(third)

The sample is generated through the use of a lottery method, a computer- based randomiser or picking numbers from a hat.

What is a random sample free from?

From researcher bias.

What does the researcher have no influence over?

Who is selected

What does the lack of researcher bias prevent?

From choking people who the researcher thinks may support their hypothesis.

What's a bad thing about random sampling?

It's difficult and time-consuming to conduct.

What may be extremely difficult to obtain?

A complete list of the target population.

What may you end up with?

A sample that's still unrepresentative.

How can selected participants be a problem?

Selected participants may refuse to take part and you may and up with a volunteer sample.