What does the term "sample" refer to in research?

The term "sample" in research refers to a small part of something intended to represent a larger whole. This means that when researchers conduct a study, they often cannot or do not observe the entire population due to practical constraints, such as time, cost, or accessibility. Instead, they select a sample that is hoped to mirror the characteristics of the larger population. This technique allows for analyzing data and drawing conclusions that can be generalized to the larger group.

The concept is integral to many research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative studies, where understanding the larger whole is based on the insights gathered from a carefully chosen smaller section. This method is particularly valuable in fields like community and family studies, where researchers may aim to infer trends, behaviors, and opinions that reflect broader societal patterns.

In contrast, a complete study on a specific population suggests that the research encompasses every individual within that population, which is less common and often impractical. The entire population being studied would imply that no sampling is necessary, which again is not typical in research scenarios. While a random selection of subjects can be part of sampling methods, this does not encompass the broader definition of what a sample is; randomness is just one technique used in sampling and does not capture the essence of the sample's