What is the term for a sample selected such that each element is selected independently from the population of interest?

The term for a sample where each element is selected independently from the population of interest is indeed known as a random sample from an infinite population. In the context of statistical sampling, this refers to a scenario where the population is considered to be so large or continues to grow, thus allowing for the assumption that each selection is independent and not influenced by previous selections.

In practical terms, a random sample ensures that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, which helps maintain the validity and reliability of statistical conclusions drawn from the sample. This independence is crucial for many statistical methods and ensures that the sample is representative of the larger population.

Other options such as a random sample from a finite population, systematic sample, and stratified sample are types of sampling methods but do not specifically emphasize the independence of each selection within the context of an infinite population. In a finite population, while sampling can still be random, the independence factor may be constrained as the sample size approaches the size of the population. Systematic sampling involves selecting elements based on a fixed interval, and stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups before sampling, which influences the selection process. Thus, the most appropriate choice that encompasses the key feature of independent selection is the random sample from an