cluster sampling
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Related to cluster sampling: Systematic sampling, Convenience Sampling
cluster sampling
[′kləs·tər ‚sam·pliŋ] (statistics)
A random sampling plan in which the population is subdivided into groups called clusters so that there is small variability within clusters and large variability between clusters.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.