A community sample refers to a group of individuals taken from the general population, typically from a specific geographic area or demographic group, to participate in research studies. Community samples are often used in social science and public health research to gather information about a particular community's attitudes, behaviors, or health outcomes. Researchers may recruit participants through various methods such as random sampling, convenience sampling, or snowball sampling. Community samples provide valuable insights into the characteristics and needs of different populations, helping researchers to better understand and address social issues and public health challenges.