This is out of curiosity, like for example, if I studied a portion of college students in a specific region and study their study habits in relation to their achievements, does it mean that the findings of this study can also be applied in general to all college students? Is it valid though?
Thanks.
Paul: This link can help you to better understand the sampling process:
http://dissertation.laerd.com/simple-random-sampling.php
Most researches depends on sample that taken from population, now the answer for your question, if the sample taken randomly with correct way, and proper sample size then the results can be adopted to the population.
Well, in reality it doesn't at all. But this is a common method that can be strengthened by multiple methods. A better sample-based study is to collect data from multiple backgrounds/communities. You also may require a lot of data to ensure you get a general opinion. Normally a percentage-based approach is feasible.
Of course a statistical result cannot be applied to all people. This is the 'geographical fallacy" - in reality Individuals are far from being mindless statistics. Viva la difference!
However a probabilistic statement can be applied with increasing accuracy to populations as a whole as sampling widens, variables are added and sampling techniques improve. For example "Bert has a 90% probability of voting Trump if he visits gun websites". This estimate can be improved by adding in more variables. The results can potentially be used to predict the general behaviour of populations as a whole - though they can prove perverse and behave in unexpected ways.
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