---
title: "Methods 101: Random Sampling"
description: "The first video in Pew Research Center’s Methods 101 series helps explain random sampling – a concept that lies at the heart of all probability-based survey research – and why it’s important."
date: "2017-05-12"
authors:
  - name: "Michael Piccorossi"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2017/05/12/methods-101-video-random-sampling/"
categories:
  - "Online Random Sample Surveys"
  - "Survey Basics"
  - "Survey Methods"
  - "Telephone Surveys"
---

# Methods 101: Random Sampling

The first video in Pew Research Center's **Methods 101** series helps explain random sampling – a concept that lies at the heart of all probability-based survey research – and why it’s important.

- [Random Sampling](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2017/05/12/methods-101-video-random-sampling/)
- [Survey Question Wording](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2018/03/21/methods-101-video-question-wording/)
- [Mode effects](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2019/02/07/methods-101-mode-effects/)
- [What are nonprobability surveys?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2018/08/06/video-explainer-what-are-nonprobability-surveys/)
- [How is polling done around the world?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2019/07/16/video-how-is-polling-done-around-the-world/)
- [What is machine learning, and how does it work?](https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2020/06/04/video-what-is-machine-learning-and-how-does-it-work/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sonXfzE1hvo