probability sampling

any process in which a sample of participants or cases is chosen from a larger group in such a way that each one has a known (or calculable) likelihood of being included. This requires a well-defined population and an objective selection procedure, as in random sampling. Additionally, all members of the population must have some (i.e., nonzero) chance of being selected, although this probability need not be the same for all individuals. Compare nonprobability sampling.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 24th 2025

visual imagery

mental imagery that involves the sense of having “pictures” in the mind. Such images may be memories of earlier visual experiences or syntheses produced by the imagination (e.g., visualizing a pink kangaroo). Visual imagery can be used for such purposes as dealing with traumatic events, establishing desensitization hierarchies, or improving physical performance. See visualization.