Changes

'''Random sampling''' is a statistical technique which gives everyone in the target group the same opportunity to participate in a [[poll]].  

'''Random sampling''' is a [[statistical]] technique in which individuals are randomly selected from the target group (usually a sub-set of the population). More precisely, everyone has a known probability of selection. Generally the aim of this method is to remove [[bias]] in selection of samples, though it may not be suitable for all cases of statistical analysis, depending upon the circumstances.

An example is all eligible voters.

The '''reliability''' of a poll is a different dimension and refers to the amount of random error still present. The larger the poll, the smaller the random error. (Increasing the size of a poll by X reduces the error by the square root of x. A poll with 4 times as many people  will have half the random error.)

In statistical studies, '''random sampling''' refers to the extraction of values (''sampling'') of a designated input probability distribution for ensuing statistical calculations.

An example is all eligible voters being equally likely to be included in a poll. This method does not ensure accuracy, but increases its likelihood.

[[Category:United States Government|Probability]]

 

[[Category:Statistics]]