What is a representative part of a larger quantity, often used in scientific studies?

A sample is a representative part of a larger quantity, typically used in scientific studies to draw conclusions about the whole population. In research, obtaining data from the entire population may be impractical or impossible, so scientists take a sample instead. The sample should accurately reflect the characteristics of the population, which allows researchers to make inferences or generalizations based on the findings from that smaller group.

This practice of using a sample ensures that the results can be used to represent the broader context, provided that the sample is chosen correctly and is large enough to minimize the margin of error. It is a fundamental concept in fields such as statistics, biology, and social science, as it enables efficient data collection and analysis while still providing valid insights into the wider population's behavior or characteristics.