Final answer:
Researchers should ensure that participants in a focus group or study accurately represent the target population to maintain the study's validity and to allow generalization of the findings. A random and representative sample is essential to avoid biases that could skew the results.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, when selecting and recruiting participants for a focus group, researchers should ensure that the participants represent the general makeup of the target population. This is critical for the success of the study, which depends on how well the population is represented by the sample. For instance, when surveying algebra students in a city, it is important to include students from various backgrounds to ensure a random and representative sample.
By considering a diverse range of characteristics such as income brackets, family situations, races, ethnicities, and geographic areas, researchers can work towards a sample that accurately reflects the population of interest. This helps in generalizing the findings to the larger population and minimizes the risk of introducing biases that could invalidate the results. If the sample is not representative, the findings may not accurately reflect the views or experiences of the intended population.