What is the definition of a sample in statistics?

A sample in statistics is defined as a subset of the population selected for analysis. This means that it consists of a portion of individuals, items, or data points drawn from a larger group, known as the population. The primary purpose of selecting a sample is to make inferences about the entire population without needing to collect data from every single member. By analyzing the sample, statisticians can estimate population parameters, test hypotheses, and derive conclusions that are applicable to the entire population, all while saving time and resources.

The other definitions presented do not accurately represent the concept of a sample. The full population refers to the entirety of individuals or data points being studied, while the sample is just a small part of it. A collection of all possible data points would describe a population or the entire data set, rather than a sample. Lastly, a measure of central tendency refers to specific statistical measures such as the mean, median, or mode, which summarize a data set, rather than defining what a sample is.