Final answer:
Random sampling is a quantitative technique used to represent a larger group for processes like quality control and marketing research, ensuring each population member has an equal chance of being included in the sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique being described is known as random sampling, which is a quantitative technique where samples of populations are statistically determined to represent a larger group. This method is essential for a multitude of processes, including quality control and marketing research. In random sampling, each member of the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample, which ensures that the sample accurately represents the overall population.
In scientific research, especially in fields like biology and environmental science, this method helps in estimating population sizes and densities. For instance, for immobile organisms such as plants, or slow-moving creatures, a quadrat might be utilized. Similarly, for mobile organisms such as birds or mammals, the technique of mark and recapture is employed. Apart from ecological studies, random sampling is also widely used in quantitative sociology and statistical analysis in various industries.
Sampling is a practical approach because surveying an entire population is often not feasible, logistically, or economically. By sampling a representative portion and analyzing the collected quantitative data, scientists and researchers can make accurate inferences about the larger groups. Techniques like surveys are used to collect data that can be quantitatively analyzed, providing insights into trends and correlations within a population.