Random sampling is best described as what?

• A. A method that selects only the first n individuals.
• B. A sampling method that increases bias.
• C. A method of poll selection that gives each person in a group the same chance of being selected.
• D. A technique to stratify people by income

Answer: (C)

Random sampling means giving each person in the population an equal chance of being chosen. This equal probability helps prevent selection bias and makes the sample representative so conclusions can apply to the whole group. The description that selects only the first n individuals isn’t random and introduces bias. The idea that random sampling increases bias is opposite to its purpose, which is to minimize bias. Stratifying by income is a different approach (stratified sampling) that groups people before sampling, rather than ensuring equal chance for everyone.