What does unrepresentativeness refer to in a sample?

Unrepresentativeness in a sample refers to a situation where the sample does not accurately reflect the characteristics of the larger population it is meant to represent. This occurs when the sample is biased or lacks sufficient size, resulting in the inclusion of certain groups while excluding others. A sample that is too small may not capture the diversity or variability within the broader population, leading to skewed results that do not generalize well.

For instance, if a psychological study seeks to understand behaviors across different age groups but only includes participants from a narrow age range, the findings may not apply to the entire population. Similarly, if the sample is biased due to self-selection or other factors, it may lead to conclusions that do not hold true for the wider community. Thus, the presence of bias or a small sample size can lead to unrepresentativeness, affecting the reliability and validity of the study's outcomes.