Which sampling method ensures every member of the population has an equal chance of selection and uses randomization without considering subgroups?

• A. Simple random sampling
• B. Systematic random sampling
• C. Stratified random sampling
• D. Quota sampling

Answer: (A)

This is about giving every member of the population an equal chance to be selected, with the selection driven entirely by random chance and without dividing the population into subgroups. In simple random sampling, you treat all individuals as a single pool, assign each a unique identifier, and draw the sample randomly (for example, using a random number generator or a lottery). Because no subgroup structure is used, every person has exactly the same probability of being chosen, and the method avoids systematic patterns or stratification that could bias the results.

In contrast, systematic sampling selects at regular intervals, which can introduce bias if there’s an underlying pattern; stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups and samples within each one; quota sampling fills predefined subgroup numbers without random selection.