What must be avoided to minimize sampling bias?

To minimize sampling bias, it is crucial to avoid relying solely on volunteer participants. When researchers depend exclusively on volunteers, they might inadvertently create a sample that does not accurately represent the broader population. This tendency arises because volunteers often have different characteristics or motivations compared to non-volunteers. Individuals who choose to participate may have a particular interest or stake in the study's topic, which can skew results and lead to biased outcomes.

In contrast, using a random selection method ensures that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, which helps to create a more representative sample. Additionally, making sure the sample reflects the population's characteristics helps in generalizing findings to the wider community. Choosing a large enough sample size also plays a critical role in mitigating variability and achieving reliable results. These strategies collectively work to enhance the validity of research by minimizing bias that could arise from a non-representative sample.