A representative sample is a subset of a larger population that accurately reflects the characteristics of that population. This means that the sample includes individuals or items that mirror the diversity and traits of the whole group, allowing researchers to make valid conclusions about the entire population without needing to study everyone. For example, if a researcher wants to understand the opinions of all students in a school, they might select a representative sample of students from different grades, backgrounds, and activities. This approach helps ensure that the findings are applicable to the entire student body, making the research more reliable and meaningful.