Cluster Sample is the portion of the population under research that are grouped together as a result of the technique used by researchers called “Cluster Sampling” to split a large number of samples into smaller groups called clusters based on their similarity.
It must contain all participants in the study and cannot have crossover. They then build a sample by selecting clusters at random. Cluster sampling is a type of probability sampling that is frequently designed to examine significant populations, especially those who are distributed throughout a big geographical region.
In market research, a cluster sample is commonly utilized as a researcher can't collect information and data regarding a large population but can get details by dividing that population into groups. It takes less time, effort, and money if a researcher uses these samples.
Researchers may pick big populations, which will make it easier to reach a different number of clusters. Because each cluster can include a high number of samples, the loss of quality of information per individual can be mitigated. These sample clusters can have information from multiple places and people, making it simple to do sampling, researchers can swiftly deploy it in real-world settings.
Steps to Determine Cluster Samples
The steps to get these samples are given below -
- Select a target group as well as a sample size
- Sort your data into groups
- Use a random selection technique to choose clusters
- Gather information from the sample
For example, statistics on literacy levels in California could be of interest to a researcher. The researcher would assemble samples from specific localities to provide a representation of the whole area and cluster them based on different variables. Researching and surveying with the help of cluster samples are frequently more cost-effective and feasible than a segmented or basic random sample.
Use of the Term in Sentences
- Single-stage, double-stage, and multi-stage clustering are the three methods of cluster sampling and they all result in varying types of cluster samples.
- Cluster sampling is simple to apply, but it is more susceptible to significant sampling error giving uncalled-for cluster samples full of errors.
- Marketing bodies and professional people frequently employ cluster samples.