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DEFINITION of 'Simple Random Sample'

A subset of a statistical population in which each member of the subset has an equal
probability of being chosen. A simple random sample is meant to be an unbiased
representation of a group. An example of a simple random sample would be a group of 25
employees chosen out of a hat from a company of 250 employees. In this case, the population
is all 250 employees, and the sample is random because each employee has an equal chance of
being chosen.

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BREAKING DOWN 'Simple Random Sample'
A sampling error can occur with a simple random sample if the sample doesn't end up
accurately reflecting the population it is supposed to represent. For example, in our simple
random sample of 25 employees, it would be possible to draw 25 men even if the population
consisted of 125 women and 125 men. For this reason, simple random sampling is more
commonly used when the researcher knows little about the population. If the researcher
knew more, it would be better to use a different sampling technique, such as stratified
random sampling,
sampling, which helps to account for the differences within the population (such as
age, race or gender).

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RELATED FAQS
Q: What assumptions are made when conducting a t-test?
A: The common assumptions made when doing a t-test include those regarding the scale of measurement,
random sampling, normality ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: When is it better to use systematic over simple random sampling?

A: Under simple random sampling, a sample of items is chosen randomly from a population, and each item
has an equal probability ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: How does stratified random sampling influence government policy decisions?

A: Governments use various analytical techniques to examine the potential costs and benefits of policy
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Q: What is the criteria for a simple random sample?

A: Simple random sampling is the most basic form of sampling and can be a component of more precise,
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Q: How do researchers ensure that a simple random sample is an accurate representation ...
A: Researchers employ several safeguards to ensure that a simple random sample accurately represents a
larger population. They ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: What are the best selection methods for creating a simple random sample?
A: The best selection methods for selecting a simple random sample are the lottery method, using a
random number table or having ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: What are the advantages of using a simple random sample to study a larger population?
A: Simple random sampling is a method used to cull a smaller sample size from a larger population and use
it to research and ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: What's the difference between a representative sample and an unbiased sample?

A: A representative sample is a group that is chosen to depict or represent a larger population according to
one or more characteristics ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: What are the disadvantages of using a simple random sample to approximate a larger ...
A: Simple random sampling statistically measures a subset of individuals selected from a larger group or
population to approximate ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: What is the difference between a simple random sample and a stratified random sample?
A: Simple random samples and stratified random samples differ in how the sample is drawn from the
overall population of data. ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of stratified random sampling?

A: Researchers use stratified random sampling to obtain a sample population that best represents the
entire population being ... Read Full Answer >>
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entire population being ... Read Full Answer >>

Q: What are some examples of stratified random sampling?

A: Simple random sampling is a sample of individuals that exist in a population; the individuals are
randomly selected from ... Read Full Answer >>

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