Which one of the following is not an essential factor of a sample ?

The correct answer is - Dependence

Key Points

• Dependence
  • In the context of sampling, dependence refers to the relationship between different elements of the sample. In a good sample, elements should be independent of each other.
  • Other factors like representativeness, adequacy, and similarity are essential to ensure the sample accurately reflects the population being studied.
  • Thus, dependence is not an essential factor of a sample but rather something to be avoided.

Additional Information

• Representativeness
  • A sample must reflect the characteristics of the population from which it is drawn to ensure the results are generalizable.
  • Ensuring representativeness involves random sampling and considering the diversity of the population.
• Adequacy
  • An adequate sample size is necessary to produce reliable and valid results.
  • The adequacy of a sample size can be determined using statistical formulas and power analysis.
• Similarity
  • Elements within the sample should be similar to the population elements in terms of key characteristics and variables being studied.
  • Similarity ensures that the findings from the sample can be confidently extended to the population.