random selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "random selection" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a process where items or individuals are chosen without any specific criteria, ensuring each has an equal chance of being selected. For example, "The participants were chosen through random selection to ensure fairness in the study." Alternative expressions include "arbitrary choice" and "chance selection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Random selection and randomization were performed by "REXSCO" [ 13] software.

BMC Health Services Research

Participants were selected by simple random selection.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Controls were selected by simple random selection.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

were selected from Tehran counseling centers through cluster random selection.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

It is a random selection from a random selection.

The Guardian - Arts

A random selection of postcards.

The Guardian - Books

Here is a random selection of my favorites.

The New York Times

But the law demands a truly random selection process.

The New York Times

A random selection of song titles - Your Sex, Wants, So Deep - should give you the idea.

The Guardian - Music

(I am fond of both aerialists and P!nk, so that was just a random selection).

The New Yorker

"Regarding volunteers that were assigned to the Fleet Center, it really was just random selection".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scientific study or experiment, clearly define the method used for "random selection" to ensure transparency and reproducibility. For instance, specify whether you used a random number generator or another specific technique.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "random selection" guarantees a perfectly representative sample. While it minimizes bias, inherent variability can still lead to samples that don't fully reflect the overall population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "random selection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a method of choosing items or individuals where each has an equal probability of being selected. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "random selection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a process of choosing without bias. As affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct. Its primary function is to communicate objectivity and fairness, particularly in scientific, news, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "arbitrary selection" or "chance selection" exist, "random selection" is favored for its clarity and precision. When using the phrase, ensure the method of randomization is clearly defined, and remember that even with random selection, inherent variability can influence the representativeness of a sample.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arbitrary selection

Emphasizes the lack of a specific reason or plan behind the selection.

chance selection

Highlights the role of luck or chance in the selection process.

haphazard selection

Suggests a lack of organization or care in the selection process.

unsystematic selection

Focuses on the absence of a defined system or method for selecting.

random sampling

Specifically refers to a statistical method where each member of a population has an equal chance of being chosen.

fortuitous selection

Implies that the selection happened by a fortunate accident or coincidence.

coincidental selection

Suggests the selection occurred due to a chance alignment of events.

indiscriminate selection

Highlights that the selection was made without careful consideration or discrimination.

hit-or-miss selection

Implies that the selection process is unreliable and unpredictable.

casual selection

Underlines that the selection was done in a relaxed or informal manner.

FAQs

How is "random selection" typically used in research?

In research, "random selection" is used to create a sample population where each member has an equal chance of being chosen. This minimizes bias and ensures the sample is representative of the larger population, allowing for more accurate generalizations. For example, controls were "selected by simple random selection".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "random selection"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "random selection" include "arbitrary selection", "chance selection", or "random sampling". Each of these highlights a slightly different aspect of the selection process.

Which is more accurate, "random selection" or "haphazard selection"?

"Random selection" implies a deliberate effort to ensure each item has an equal chance of being chosen, often using a specific method. "Haphazard selection", on the other hand, suggests a more careless or disorganized approach. Therefore, "random selection" is generally considered more accurate and reliable in formal contexts.

What distinguishes "random selection" from "convenience sampling"?

"Random selection" involves choosing participants or items such that every member of the population has an equal chance of inclusion. "Convenience sampling" involves selecting participants based on their availability or ease of access, which introduces potential bias.