In terms of probability, why is larger sample sizes often regarded as more reliable?

Larger sample sizes are often regarded as more reliable primarily because they provide a better representation of the population. When a sample is larger, it is more likely to reflect the diversity and characteristics of the entire population. Smaller samples may miss out on significant variability or skew results due to being too homogeneous or biased, leading to inaccurate conclusions.

Additionally, larger samples help to minimize the influence of outliers or random variation, which can distort averages and other statistical measures when the sample size is small. This is crucial for drawing more generalizable conclusions and making predictions based on the data. While the other statements may hold some truth in specific contexts, the key advantage of larger sample sizes is their enhanced representativeness of the population, promoting greater reliability in research findings.