Random sampling is a specific type of sampling method used in research where a sample of participants or cases is chosen from a larger population in such a way that every member of the population has a known and equal probability of being included in the sample. This technique is fundamental to probability sampling and is used to ensure that the sample is as representative as possible of the population from which it is drawn, minimizing sampling bias and allowing researchers to make statistical inferences about the population based on the sample data. Various methods can be used to achieve random sampling, such as simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster sampling, depending on the characteristics of the population and the research design.