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Sociology / Unit 2   Soc 0159 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Random Sample

Captions available

The idea

Probability sampling selects members with a known, nonzero chance of selection; a simple random sample is the special case where that chance is equal for all.

In practice

Stratified sampling draws within subgroups; cluster sampling selects whole groups at random — both generalize legitimately without equal individual odds.

Where people slip

Convenience sampling — whoever answered — is not probability sampling, whatever the sample size.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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