Research Methods - Random Sampling

A random sample is one where everyone has an equal chance of being picked. For example, putting everyone's name into a hat would be a random sample as they all have an equal chance of being picked. This method is regarded as representative because it assumes that everyone has an equal chance to be picked,however, it can sometimes be considered as not being representative due to the possibility of picking people who have similar characteristics, when you are, in fact, looking for a random sample.