Final answer:
Survey research uses sampling to select a representative subset of a population for study, ensuring each member has an equal chance of being chosen through random sampling.So, the correct answer is a. sampling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Survey research involves sampling - the process of selecting for study a limited number of subjects who are representative of entire groups sharing similar characteristics, called the population.
When conducting surveys, researchers employ various methods of random sampling to ensure each participant from the population has an equal chance of being chosen, which is crucial for the scientific integrity of the survey results.
In the context of elections, for example, polling companies would select citizens across the United States to predict the winner of the presidency.
The poll must be both random and representative to provide accurate data.
A representative sample reflects the demographic distribution of the overall population, such as the proportion of men to women, to avoid biases and to accurately reflect public opinion or behaviors.
So, the correct answer is a. sampling.