ACCA Performance Management (F5) Certification Practice Exam

What does random sampling ensure?

1. Everyone in the population has an unequal chance of being selected

2. Only specific segments of the population are sampled

3. Everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected

4. A biased selection of participants is guaranteed

The correct answer is: Everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected

Random sampling is a fundamental concept in statistics and research methodology that is designed to ensure that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected. This characteristic is crucial because it helps to eliminate selection bias, providing a representative sample that can lead to valid and generalizable results. When a sample is chosen randomly, it means that each member of the entire population has the same opportunity to be included in the sample. This principle is vital for various applications, including surveys and experiments, where the objective is to make inferences about a larger group based on observations from a smaller subset. Ensuring equal probability of selection enhances the reliability of the results and supports the development of sound conclusions. In contrast, if everyone in the population had an unequal chance of being selected, or if only specific segments were sampled, the results could reflect biases and not accurately represent the population as a whole, which would undermine the integrity of any analysis. Similarly, a biased selection would lead to conclusions that may not be valid or applicable, reducing the usefulness of the research conducted. Thus, random sampling is essential for achieving robust and trustworthy findings in performance management and other fields.