Anthropology Practice Test 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

In survey research, forming a sample that accurately represents the larger population is essential for ensuring that valid inferences can be made. This means that the sample should reflect the characteristics, diversity, and traits of the overall group that the researchers wish to study. When a sample is drawn appropriately from the larger population, the findings from the survey can be generalized to that population, allowing researchers to make conclusions that are applicable to the wider group.

If the sample only reflects a specific demographic, consists of any willing participants, or is heavily influenced by the researcher’s personal opinions, the validity of the inferences drawn would be compromised. These situations can lead to biased results and may limit the applicability of the research outcomes to the intended larger population. In contrast, a representative sample is crucial for yielding results that contribute meaningfully to understanding broader social phenomena and for accurately reflecting the views or behaviors of the larger group being studied.