A representative sample is a group that closely matches the characteristics of its population as a whole.
In other words, the sample is a fairly accurate reflection of the population from which thesampleis drawn.
Why does this matter?
Patrick George / Ikon Images / Getty Images
What impact does a representative sample have on research?
Such samples can help researchers draw insights about the larger group.
Why Use a Representative Sample?
When collecting data for psychological studies, researchers rarely gather information from every single member of a particular population.
The larger the sample is, the more likely it will accurately reflect what exists in the population.
Factors That Play a Role
A few different factors can impact the representativeness of a sample.
Sampling bias, which involves flawed participant selection procedures, is one common source of problems.
In other cases, non-participation or refusal can affect the ability of researchers to draw a truly representative sample.
How Are Representative Samples Obtained?
So your sample would vary depending on what your topic of research or population of interest is.
Every member of the population stands an equal chance of being selected.
Imagine if scientists wanted to study the prevalence of a particular disease in the population at large.
This might ultimately affect how much further research is devoted to the study of that illness.
It can also impact how much funding might be available for additional research into prevention and treatment.
This can play an essential role in shaping approaches to mental health and public policies that impact different groups.
2023;2(1):e000399.
doi:10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000399
Elfil M, Negida A.Sampling methods in clinical research; an educational review.Emerg (Tehran).
2017;5(1):e52.
2016;91(3):326-330. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20165254
