What does simple random sampling involve?

Simple random sampling involves completely random selection of individuals from a population, ensuring that each member has an equal chance of being selected. This method is fundamental in statistics because it helps eliminate bias in the selection process. By allowing every individual an equal opportunity to be chosen, the sample is likely to be more representative of the entire population, which helps enhance the validity of the findings from the research.

In contrast, other sampling methods like those based on subgroup characteristics or researcher’s criteria can introduce bias or fail to represent the population as a whole adequately. Choosing every nth individual, known as systematic sampling, depends on the order of a list or queue and does not guarantee that every individual has an equal chance of selection. Therefore, simple random sampling is preferred for its ability to support the generalizability of results in research.