How do sociologists know if the sample they are using is representative?
A) If the people in the sample freely volunteered to serve as representatives
B) If the sample has an even number, decided by the researcher, of people from several different categories or backgrounds
C) If the sample has the same mix of people, in the same proportions, as the population being studied
D) If the participants have been interviewed to reveal possible bias

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A representative sample is one that accurately reflects the characteristics of the population being studied. Therefore, the sample must have the same mix of people, in the same proportions, as the population being studied. It is important to avoid bias in selecting the sample, such as only selecting volunteers or only selecting people from certain categories or backgrounds. Interviews can be helpful in identifying potential bias, but they do not ensure that the sample is representative.

How Do Sociologists Know If the Sample They Are Using