Question

The most important characteristic of a sample that makes it possible to generalize the results of a research study to the population from which the sample was selected is that it is, on average, representative of that population. Which of the following is most likely to ensure the sample is truly representative?

A. The sample is selected based on whether respondents possess minimal reading and writing skills enabling them to understand the questions presented on questionnaires
B. The entire population is included in the sample i.e. it is really a census
C. The sample is carefully screened to ensure that it contains, proportionately, people with the same demographic profiles as encountered in the population.
D. The sample is selected quickly, even at the risk of its being non-random to ensure that opinions are 'fresh.'
E. The sample is selected at random from the population of interest.

Answer 1

C. The sample is carefully screened to ensure that it contains, proportionately, people with the same demographic profiles as encountered in the population.

Explanation:

Sampling

This is a common statistics practice, when we want to study something from a population, we find a sample of this population.

When choosing a sample, you have to be careful, to avoid choosing a biased sample.

In this question:

Option A is not correct, as this wouldnt be representative of the entire population, since there is expected to be a significant number of people without these skills.

Option B is not correct, as we would not have a sample.

Option D is not correct, as a quickly selected sample could lead to bias.

Option E is not correct, as it could also lead to bias.

So the answer is given by option C.