In which type of study is a small, specific sample often representative of a larger population?

The correct choice is tied to how surveys are designed to gather insights from a relevant subset of a population. In a survey, researchers often select a small, specific sample that is intended to reflect the characteristics of a larger group. This is achieved through various sampling methods, which ensure that the selected respondents adequately represent the broader population, thereby allowing researchers to generalize findings from the sample to the population as a whole.

Surveys typically collect data on attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors, making it vital that the sample mirrors the larger group to derive meaningful conclusions. The potential for larger-scale inferences drawn from these smaller samples is a hallmark of survey research, distinguishing it from other methodologies where the focus may not be on representativeness or generalization.

In contrast, other types of studies such as case studies focus on in-depth investigations of a single subject or a very small group, which limits their representativeness. Experimental studies manipulate variables in controlled settings, often prioritizing internal validity over population representativeness. Observational studies provide descriptive insights without manipulating variables or focusing on specific samples intended for generalization. Each of these methods serves distinct purposes but does not inherently aim to draw broad conclusions from a small sample in the same way surveys do.