Sample

A portion of material selected for examination, measurement, or testing, often to represent a larger quantity.

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Population (statistics): The full set of people, objects, or events about which a statistical study seeks information. A sample is selected from this larger set to support conclusions about it.
Sampling (statistics): The process of selecting units from a population to study some of its properties. It supplies the procedures that turn a larger population into a sample.
Random sample: A sample selected through a random process that gives units defined chances of inclusion. It supports inference about a population when its selection process is well designed.
Convenience sampling: A nonprobability method that selects units because they are readily accessible. It is easy to collect but may poorly represent the larger population.
Sampling frame: A list or operational representation of the units eligible for selection in a study. It defines which members of the target population can enter the sample.
Simple random sampling: A probability-sampling method in which every unit has an equal chance of selection. Random selection can reduce systematic selection bias in a sample.
Biological specimen: Biological material collected or prepared for examination, such as tissue, blood, or a microorganism. It is a material sample used to investigate biological structure or function.
Census: A complete enumeration of every unit in a defined population. Unlike a sample, it seeks data from the entire population.
Sampling unit: The individual element or group selected at a particular stage of a sampling design. It specifies what is actually chosen when a sample is assembled.
Stratified sampling: A sampling method that divides a population into strata and samples within each stratum. It ensures selected subgroups are represented according to the design.