QT Exam Question: Cluster sampling question

tanbc

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of cluster sampling.

Answer:

A cluster is actually a mini-population and has all the features of the population.
In cluster sampling, there are many clusters out of which only a few are picked up by random sampling and then the clusters are completely enumerated.

The advantages of cluster sampling is it allows for great economics in data collection cost because the travel related cost are lower.  The frame developing is also cheaper as frames only need to be developed for selected clusters and not for the whole population.

One of the disadvantages of cluster sampling is statistically less efficient and thus it needs a bigger sample size. Also cluster sampling is rarely used in single-stage sampling plans.  

For example in a national survey, a district might treated as a cluster and this cluster sampling can be used in the first stage only to pick up the number of the districts. After which you will need to use other sampling methods in order to go to a smaller units.

Desmond

Hi Sally,

You answer are always KISS

Desmond

BC,

Sorry I wrong address you.