Definition

Noun: - Representative sampling: A statistical sampling method where the population is divided into distinct subgroups (strata) based on shared characteristics, and random samples are taken from each of these subgroups. The goal is to ensure the sample accurately reflects the composition of the entire population.

Usage

• This term is used in the context of statistics, research, and data analysis to describe a specific, structured method for selecting a sample.
• It is a formal, technical term.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The study's validity relied on a representative sampling of the city's neighborhoods.
  • To ensure accurate results, the pollsters used representative sampling across different age and income groups.

Advanced Usage

• "to conduct/perform/use representative sampling": This collocation describes the action of applying this method.
  • The research team will conduct representative sampling to select participants for the national health survey.

Variants and Related Words

• Stratified sampling: This is a direct synonym and the more precise technical name for the method described by "representative sampling."
• Stratum (n): One of the subgroups or layers into which a population is divided for stratified/representative sampling.
  • Each stratum in the study represented a different profession.
• Sample (n/v): A subset of a population selected for measurement; to take such a subset.
• Population (n): The entire group of individuals or instances about which information is desired.

Synonyms

• Stratified sampling: The most common direct synonym in academic and statistical contexts.
• Proportionate sampling: Often used interchangeably, though it can specifically emphasize that the sample size from each stratum is proportional to the stratum's size in the population.

Related Phrases

• "a representative sample": This is a more general phrase describing any sample that accurately mirrors the population, which can be achieved through methods like representative (stratified) sampling.
  • The survey achieved a representative sample of the country's adult population.
• "sampling bias": The opposite of a representative sample; a flaw where the sample does not accurately represent the population.
  • The online poll suffered from sampling bias, as it only reached younger users.

Noun

1. the population is divided into subpopulations (strata) and random samples are taken of each stratum