Which of the following are characteristics of a good sample that is representative of the population?

A good sample that is representative of a population is essential for drawing valid conclusions in research. One of the key characteristics of such a sample is that it employs a probability method for selecting participants. This means that every individual in the population has a known and typically equal chance of being selected, which ensures that the sample reflects the diversity of the population.

Using probability sampling methods, such as simple random sampling or stratified sampling, helps mitigate biases that might occur if certain subgroups were overrepresented or underrepresented. This randomness enhances the validity of the findings, as the sample is more likely to mirror the population's characteristics accurately, leading to trustworthy insights and generalizations.

In contrast, defining a vague population, having a low response rate, or gathering inaccurate information would compromise the integrity and representativeness of the sample. These factors could lead to skewed or unrepresentative results, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions about the population as a whole.