random sampling

American  

noun

Statistics.

1. a method of selecting a sample random sample from a statistical population in such a way that every possible sample that could be selected has a predetermined probability of being selected.

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Etymology

Origin of random sampling

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Pollsters usually attempt to obtain a representative sample through random sampling, where everyone has an equal chance of selection.

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2024

If random sampling is possible, then correlation between individuals within clusters reduces the effective population size, which suggests biologists could collect fewer samples to predict disease prevalence.

From Science Daily • Dec. 18, 2023

“What we are seeing is more visits from AHCA, and they want to look at every patient file. They used to do a random sampling but now they want every single record,” Gallagher said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2023

Some sample proportions will show high favorability toward the bond issue and others will show low favorability because random sampling will reflect the variation of views within the population.

From Textbooks • Nov. 29, 2017

Nothing that doesn’t look like a random sampling from the Housewares Department of the Eaton’s Catalogue.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood