What does the term 'sample size' refer to?

The term 'sample size' specifically refers to the number of members in a sample. In research and statistical analysis, the larger the sample size, the more reliable the results tend to be, as it offers better representation of the population being studied. A larger sample allows for greater accuracy in estimating the characteristics or behaviors of the whole population, thereby increasing the validity of conclusions drawn from the study.

Understanding sample size is crucial for ensuring that findings can be generalized beyond the specific group being studied. Each of the other options, while related to different aspects of a study, does not define sample size directly. For instance, age range pertains to demographic characteristics, total number of samples collected refers to the entirety of samples in a study rather than the size of a single sample, and diversity of the sample group concerns the variation within the sample rather than the total number of members. Therefore, recognizing 'sample size' as the number of members in a sample is foundational in interpreting research data accurately.