When ______________________________ is used, each member of the population has an equal and independent chance of being chosen.

When ______________________________ is used, each member of the population has an equal and independent chance of being chosen.

• A. Simple Random Sampling
• B. Systematic Sampling
• C. Stratified Sampling
• D. Convenience Sampling

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that equal and independent chances for every member belong to simple random sampling. In this approach, every individual in the population has the same probability of being selected, and the selection of one person does not influence the probability of selecting others (especially when the method is conceptualized with sampling with replacement). This makes the sample truly random and unbiased on average. Systematic sampling uses a fixed interval after choosing a random starting point, which means some individuals don’t have an equal independent chance of being chosen in the same way, even though it can be efficient. Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into groups and sampling within them to ensure representation, rather than giving every person the same overall chance. Convenience sampling relies on available individuals and introduces bias, so it does not provide equal random selection.

The main idea here is that equal and independent chances for every member belong to simple random sampling. In this approach, every individual in the population has the same probability of being selected, and the selection of one person does not influence the probability of selecting others (especially when the method is conceptualized with sampling with replacement). This makes the sample truly random and unbiased on average.

Systematic sampling uses a fixed interval after choosing a random starting point, which means some individuals don’t have an equal independent chance of being chosen in the same way, even though it can be efficient. Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into groups and sampling within them to ensure representation, rather than giving every person the same overall chance. Convenience sampling relies on available individuals and introduces bias, so it does not provide equal random selection.