a representative sample of individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a representative sample of individuals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as research, surveys, or studies where you want to indicate that the group being referred to accurately reflects the larger population. Example: "To ensure the validity of our findings, we selected a representative sample of individuals from various demographics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Our aim was to assess the proportion of people experiencing pain, and the severity of pain, at randomly selected times in a representative sample of individuals in the USA.

The Lancet

In the US, the data are obtained from a representative sample of individuals age 18 and older through face to face interviews.

Latin American Economic Review

In this sense, the 2007 Eurobarometer shows that 5%% of all dependant employees in a representative sample of individuals in the EU admitted having received all or part of their salary as envelope or cash-in-hand wages.1.1

SERIEs

For example, the Flemish Environment and Health Survey on a representative sample of individuals collects data on biomarkers of exposure and effect, exposure-effect associations, time trends and geographical differences.

Genus

A questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of individuals working in governmental institutions, municipalities, international and local NGOs, as well as UN organizations operating in PDRPM in the Gaza Strip.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

We use data from waves 1 (2004), 2 (2006), and 4 (2011) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which collects data on health, socio-economic status, social support and networks of a representative sample of individuals aged 50 and above from 19 European countries (plus Israel).

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Using GPS data logged for a representative sample of individual vehicles in private use, we assess the viability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in Sweden for a wide range of techno-economic conditions.

Applied Energy

Blank-model sessions should include a representative sampling of individuals to engage in the study and to create artifacts.

Effective Prototyping for Software Makers

GATS collected data on a representative sample of 7,840 individuals including 1,206 individuals who met the criteria of long-term smoking cessation and 2,233 current smokers.

BMC Public Health

The study was conducted in three stages: (1) The Quality of Life-Assessment for Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults (QoL-AGHDA) and the EQ-5D were administered in a representative sample of 6,875 individuals from the Belgian and 1,400 individuals from the general Dutch population.

European Journal of Health Economics

The final sample consists of survivors of the Peñagrande Cohort (n = 814), created in 2008 [ 14], plus the random incorporation of 127 individuals age 65 68 years in 2011 (included to maintain the youngest age group), and a representative sample of 1,250 individuals from the population assigned to the Cuatro Caminos health center in 2011.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a representative sample of individuals", ensure your sampling method is rigorous and clearly documented to support the claim of representativeness.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a large sample is automatically representative. A sample must be selected using methods that account for population characteristics to accurately reflect the whole.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a representative sample of individuals" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It specifies the type of group being studied or referenced, as supported by Ludwig's examples which demonstrate use in research contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

95%

Academia

3%

News & Media

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a representative sample of individuals" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase indicates that a selected group of people accurately mirrors a larger population, ensuring that research findings can be generalized. It's important to ensure rigorous sampling methods are used and documented when claiming representativeness. While highly useful in formal settings, remember alternative phrases exist, depending on specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sample reflecting the population

Directly states the sample's reflective nature.

a group mirroring the population

Uses 'mirroring' as a metaphor for accurate reflection.

a demographically representative group

Specifically mentions demographic representation.

a proportionate sample of the citizenry

Highlights the sample's proportional relationship to the citizenry.

a cross-section of the population

Implies a wide variety of demographics are included.

a population-based sample

Focuses on the sample's foundation in the broader population.

a typical group of people

Emphasizes the typicality of the group rather than its representativeness.

a balanced group of subjects

Stresses the balance and proportionality within the sample.

a diverse selection of participants

Highlights the diversity within the selected group.

a random selection of people

Highlights the randomness of the selection process.

FAQs

How can I use "a representative sample of individuals" in a sentence?

You can use "a representative sample of individuals" to describe a group selected to accurately reflect a larger population, such as, "We surveyed "a representative sample of individuals" to gauge public opinion on the new policy."

What is another way to say "a representative sample of individuals"?

Alternatives include "a typical group of people", "a diverse selection of participants", or "a cross-section of the population", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a sample "representative"?

A sample is considered representative when it accurately reflects the characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) of the larger population from which it's drawn. This is typically achieved through random sampling or stratified sampling methods.

What are the limitations of using "a representative sample of individuals"?

Even with careful sampling, a representative sample may still have some degree of sampling error. Also, representativeness at one point in time doesn't guarantee it will remain representative over time, due to changes in the population.