What method is used for choosing individuals from a population where each has an equal chance of being selected?

The method used for choosing individuals from a population where each has an equal chance of being selected is known as random selection. This approach ensures that every member of the population has the same likelihood of being included in the sample, eliminating biases that can affect the results. By employing random selection, researchers can obtain a sample that is representative of the population as a whole, which enhances the validity and reliability of their findings.

Random selection is particularly important in contexts such as surveys and experiments, where the goal is to generalize results to a larger group. The randomness helps to avoid skewed or biased outcomes that could arise if certain groups were overrepresented or underrepresented in the sample.

In contrast, the other options like selective sampling, stratified sampling, and systematic selection involve different methodologies that may not guarantee every individual has an equal opportunity of being chosen. Selective sampling intentionally focuses on specific characteristics or criteria, stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups and selects from each, and systematic selection follows a fixed, periodic approach to sampling rather than genuine randomization.