why is it important that a sample drawn from a population be

why is it important that a sample drawn from a population be random

Solution

This is important so that your sample will be a good representative of your population. If the sample is not random, it could get \"biased\", that is, some properties of a population could be exaggerated because of the over-representation of a specific subgroup in the population, when in fact, that is not what is realistic. The same is true for the under-represented subgroups, their properties will be under-represented as well.

For example, if you want to get the mean heights of american adults (18+), and you chose to sample americans in the NBA, you will surely get a high mean, higher than what is realistic for the average American.

Thus, it is from such cases that the sample drawn needs to be random.