Question

Why do social scientists use cluster sampling? What are its advantages and drawbacks?

Answer 1

Definition of Cluster Sampling

Cluster sampling is a sampling technique where the entire population is divided into groups or clusters, and selection of a random sample of these clusters is done. All observations in the selected clusters are included in the sample.

Why do social scientists use cluster sampling?

Cluster sampling is used when the researcher cannot get a complete list of the members of a population they want to study but can get a complete list of groups or 'clusters' of the population.

Advantages of Cluster Sampling

• cheap, quick, and easy
• The sample size using cluster sampling is larger as compared to simple random sampling.

Dis-Advantages of Cluster Sampling

• A cluster sample is least representative of the population out of all the types
• high sampling error