Assertion (A): Random sample is representative of the universe:
Reason (R): Random sample has the units of the universe who are opinion leaders
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true
(B) Both (A) and and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
A random sample is considered representative of the universe because it ensures that every unit in the population has an equal chance of being selected. This method avoids selection bias and provides a fair representation of the population’s diversity and characteristics. By randomly selecting participants, researchers can generalize the findings to the larger population with a reasonable degree of accuracy. This randomness is the cornerstone of statistical sampling, ensuring that the sample reflects the universe’s true nature.
However, the reason given in the question is incorrect. A random sample does not specifically include opinion leaders or any particular subgroup from the population. Opinion leaders might be included in the sample, but their inclusion is purely by chance, not by design. Random sampling focuses on equality in selection rather than targeting specific individuals or groups within the population.
The presence of opinion leaders in the sample is not guaranteed unless a targeted sampling technique, such as purposive sampling, is used. Therefore, while the assertion about the random sample being representative is true, the reasoning that it includes opinion leaders is false. This makes the correct answer (C): (A) is true, but (R) is false. This distinction highlights the fundamental principles of randomness in statistical sampling.
