Example of Simple Random Sampling: Pollster

Representative Sample

Why is simple random sampling often difficult or impossible to achieve in psychological research?

A psychology researcher wants to study stress levels among all undergraduate students at a large university. She posts a survey link on the university's social media page and collects responses from the first 200 students who volunteer to participate. This procedure qualifies as simple random sampling because any student at the university could have seen the post and chosen to respond.

A researcher wants to select a group of 50 participants from a university directory of 1,000 students using simple random sampling. Arrange the steps of this procedure in the correct chronological order.

To implement a sampling method where every member of a target group has an equal selection chance, a researcher must manage several distinct components. Match each component to the analytical role it plays in ensuring the method is executed correctly.

When critiquing the methodology of a study claiming to use simple random sampling for 'all adults with depression in North America,' a researcher would conclude the claim is likely invalid. This judgment is based on the fact that without a complete sampling frame, it is impossible to ensure that every individual in that population has a(n) ____ chance of being selected.