Which sampling method is used to ensure participants reflect the diversity of the population?

The method that ensures participants reflect the diversity of the population is stratified sampling. This technique involves dividing the population into subgroups, or strata, that share similar characteristics, such as age, gender, income, or education level. By ensuring that each subgroup is represented in the sample according to its proportion in the population, stratified sampling achieves a more comprehensive and representative dataset.

This method is particularly useful when the researcher wants to make sure that various segments of the population are included, ensuring that the sample mirrors the broader diversity of the population. For instance, if a population consists of 60% females and 40% males, stratified sampling would involve selecting participants in a way that maintains those proportions.

Although random sampling also aims to create a representative sample, it does not specifically ensure that all relevant subgroups are adequately captured. Random sampling relies on chance, which could lead to underrepresentation or overrepresentation of certain groups.