Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

Definitions, common uses and explanations of 1,500+ key market research terms and phrases.

What is Cluster Sampling?

Research Topics:
Data Analysis | Demographic Analysis | Demographic Profiles | Lifestyle Research/Clustering
Content Type:
Glossary
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Cluster Sampling Definition

Consists of selecting clusters of units in a population and then performing a census on each cluster. The selection of clusters could be based on some desired feature of the population or could be a random sample of clusters in the population.

Cluster sampling is a technique in which a target population is divided into clusters or groups, typically based on geographical or demographic factors. Then, a census is performed on each cluster. Instead of selecting individual elements of the population, entire clusters are randomly chosen. This method is key when a large and diverse population is difficult to access directly. The goal of cluster sampling is to simplify data collection by focusing on specific groups. It offers the ability to strike a balance between accuracy and practicality. In spite of the challenges of reaching every individual in a large and diverse population, its insights are reliable.

Who relies on cluster sampling?

Marketing professionals rely on cluster sampling when they study a large and diverse population that is difficult to directly access. Cluster sampling simplifies data collection by focusing on specific clusters.

Why should I care about cluster sampling?

Cluster sampling is a technique that better equips marketing professionals to design surveys, gather data and analyze results. The technique can optimize resources, especially time, because of its focus on specific clusters that represent the broader population.