In research methodology, random sampling is often seen as a gold standard—a method that promises "objectivity" and "fairness." But when it comes to engaging real people, especially those from marginalized or historically underrepresented communities, random sampling isn’t the solution.
If equity and inclusivity are the goals, random sampling might actually work against you.
At NineteenEleven Consulting, we’re committed to more than just checking the box of statistical validity. We prioritize hearing from all voices, especially those often left out. Here’s why we believe that random sampling isn’t just inadequate—it’s counterproductive if you genuinely care about equitable, inclusive engagement.
Random Sampling Doesn’t Mean Equal Opportunity
Random sampling assumes everyone has an equal shot at participating. But let's be real—that’s not true.
Unequal Access to Participation
Random sampling doesn’t tackle the barriers many marginalized communities face. Think about it: does everyone in your community have high-speed internet? The time or flexibility to answer a phone survey? Even basic awareness of how and when to participate? Absolutely not. Random sampling doesn’t level the playing field; it just sidesteps the real issues, leaving those with more access, time, or resources to dominate, while vulnerable voices fade into the background.
Random Sampling Ignores Historical Exclusion
Here’s the hard truth: random sampling doesn’t account for the generations of systemic exclusion that some groups have faced. Simply offering everyone a "chance" today doesn’t erase past disenfranchisement.
The Weight of History
Consider communities that have historically felt the impact of policies they had no say in. Random sampling doesn’t repair those scars. To bridge the gap, these communities need focused, intentional outreach. Otherwise, their experiences and voices are left out yet again. At NineteenEleven Consulting, we know equitable engagement takes more than statistical randomness—it requires actively reaching those most often left out.
Limited Participation Methods = Limited Voices
Random sampling, in practice, often relies on limited ways to participate—an online survey, maybe a phone call. That approach works for some, but it leaves others behind.
The Problem with Narrow Options
When only one or two engagement methods are available, entire groups are excluded. Think about people in rural areas with poor internet, elderly folks who may struggle with technology, or non-English speakers who can’t participate due to language barriers. This isn’t genuine engagement; it’s engagement for those with the privilege to participate easily. And that’s the heart of the issue—random sampling isn’t flexible. If you can’t make it, you don’t get a say. That’s not how equitable engagement should work.
Prioritizing Equity and Inclusivity Over Randomness
Equitable engagement means meeting people where they are—not just where it’s convenient for the surveyor. It means going beyond the numbers to ensure everyone, regardless of background, barriers, or ability, can join the conversation. Random sampling doesn’t achieve that.
Intentional Outreach is Key
At NineteenEleven Consulting, we don’t leave engagement to chance. Instead, we focus on reaching those too often left out of the conversation. Whether that’s attending local events, setting up in public spaces, or working with community leaders to ensure outreach is relevant and culturally competent, we take extra steps to make sure every voice counts.
Our approach is all about variety—offering a mix of in-person outreach, digital tools, focus groups, and pop-up events to make participation as accessible as possible.
Variety of Methods = Variety of Voices
A truly inclusive engagement process offers people multiple ways to participate—online, via text, in person, through paper surveys, or with multilingual options. This diversity of methods helps ensure everyone has a chance to be heard, not just those who fit neatly into a random sample.
The Ethical Responsibility to Do Better
Community engagement is about more than just data collection—it’s about building trust, fostering dialogue, and amplifying voices typically left out. And that’s the piece random sampling misses. If we want policies and programs that genuinely work for everyone, we can’t leave it to chance.
At NineteenEleven Consulting, we believe it’s our ethical responsibility to do better. We don’t just want data; we want inclusive data. We don’t just want participants; we want participation that reflects the full diversity of the communities we serve. Random sampling may look great on paper, but in practice, it falls short. If you care about equity and inclusivity, random sampling isn’t the answer—it’s part of the problem.
Conclusion: Why You Don’t Want Random Sampling in Your Community Engagement
Random sampling may promise fairness, but in practice, it reinforces the very barriers that keep marginalized voices out. At NineteenEleven Consulting, we believe there’s a better way. We prioritize equity and inclusivity over the illusion of randomness. We engage intentionally, offering diverse ways for people to participate and ensuring no one is excluded due to lack of access or opportunity.
If you care about hearing from everyone, random sampling isn’t what you want. What you need is an approach that respects and reflects the many ways people experience and engage with the world.
Let’s stop pretending that fairness comes from randomness. Real fairness comes from intentionality, inclusivity, and equity at every step of the process.
コメント