Entry
Entries A-Z
Area Sampling
Definition
A form of sampling in which the clusters that are selected are drawn from maps rather than listings of individuals, groups, institutions or whatever. Sometimes a further sub-sample is taken in which case the phrase multi-stage sampling is used.
Distinctive Features
With area sampling, data are collected from or about all individuals, households or other units within the selected geographical areas. Area sampling is sometimes referred to as block sampling, especially in the United States. It is also a form of cluster sampling.
Evaluation
Area sampling is used a great deal in countries where there are no adequate population lists, which are replaced instead by maps. However, the boundaries on such maps must be clearly defined and recognizable, both at the stage of sampling and at the stage of data collection. This form of sampling is not appropriate where the aim of the research is to follow a cohort of individuals over time because of the population changes within the areas that have been selected in the sample.
Key Readings
Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL
-
Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life -
Read modern, diverse business cases
-
Explore hundreds of books and reference titles
Read next
More like this
Sage Recommends
We found other relevant content for you on other Sage platforms.
Have you created a personal profile? Login or create a profile so that you can save clips, playlists and searches