What is random sampling and how might a psychologist obtain a random sample of participants for an experiment?

A random sample is a small subset of participants drawn from a larger population where each individual has an equal chance of being chosen. This method is representative so results can be generalised to the whole population. To obtain a random sample you would first define your target group and sample size (e.g 10 psychology students from your college class). You could then assign a number to every student in the class and then select 10 participants in an unbiased way. For example, by using a random number generator on a computer. You could also put the name of every student in to a hat, mix thoroughly, and select 10 names from the hat, again ensuring that this is done in an unbiased way.