Which sample selection technique is most commonly used in audits?

In the context of auditing, random selection is widely considered the most effective sampling technique. This method involves selecting samples from a population in such a way that each item has an equal chance of being chosen. The primary advantage of random selection is that it minimizes bias, providing a more accurate representation of the entire population. By reducing the risk of systematic errors, auditors can rely on the results obtained from the sample to infer the characteristics of the full population confidently.

Additionally, random selection enhances the reliability of the audit findings, as it allows auditors to apply statistical techniques to evaluate the results. This is particularly important when drawing conclusions about the overall financial statements or internal controls based on the sample examined.

While other sampling techniques like block sampling, systematic selection, and judgmental selection have their merits, they are generally considered less robust in terms of achieving representativeness and minimizing bias. Block sampling, for example, collects data in contiguous groups, which could introduce bias if certain trends are present in those blocks. Systematic selection, while structured and potentially easier to implement, can still lead to bias if there is a pattern in the population that aligns with the selection intervals. Judgmental selection relies on the auditor's professional intuition and experience, which may introduce subjectivity into the sample