Sampling techniques and representativeness – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C, D and E accurately describe sampling techniques, whereas F is false. Statement A is true because probability sampling ensures each element has a known non-zero chance of selection. Statement B correctly defines stratified random sampling, and statement C is right in classifying purposive sampling as non-probability. Statement D is correct since snowball sampling is used to access hidden populations, and E is true as probability methods reduce researcher selection bias, while F is false because convenience sampling does not guarantee representativeness.

Option A:
Option A includes all the correct statements and excludes the incorrect one. By presenting A, B, C, D and E together, it reflects standard textbook definitions of sampling techniques and their implications. Since it leaves out F, which wrongly promises guaranteed representativeness, this option is the correct answer.

Option B:
Option B omits statement E, thereby ignoring the important point that probability sampling minimises researcher bias. Although A, B, C and D are true, excluding E makes the combination incomplete. A correct option must list all relevant true statements for the concept.

Option C:
Option C brings F into the combination along with the correct statements. Because F falsely claims that convenience sampling ensures full representativeness, including it contaminates the set of statements. Any option that mixes false and true statements cannot be accepted as correct.

Option D:
Option D also contains F and even omits A, which is central to the definition of probability sampling. Leaving out a key true statement and adding a false one makes this combination doubly problematic. Consequently this option is invalid.