Which sampling method is used when the sampling frame is divided by gender or age?

Which sampling method is used when the sampling frame is divided by gender or age?

• A. Systematic sample
• B. Stratified sample
• C. Convenience sample
• D. Cluster sample

Answer: (B)

Stratified sampling is used when you want to ensure representation from important subgroups such as gender or age. The population is divided into layers, or strata, based on the chosen characteristic. Then you draw random samples from each stratum, often in proportion to how common each group is in the population. This approach makes sure you have enough data from each subgroup to compare them accurately and reduces the chance that differences between groups are missed or overemphasized. Other methods don’t target subgroups in this way. A systematic sample picks every kth person from a list, which may not guarantee balanced representation of genders or age groups. A convenience sample relies on whoever is easiest to reach, leading to biased results. A cluster sample groups the population into clusters (often by location) and samples whole clusters, which still can miss how subgroups are distributed within the population.

Stratified sampling is used when you want to ensure representation from important subgroups such as gender or age. The population is divided into layers, or strata, based on the chosen characteristic. Then you draw random samples from each stratum, often in proportion to how common each group is in the population. This approach makes sure you have enough data from each subgroup to compare them accurately and reduces the chance that differences between groups are missed or overemphasized.

Other methods don’t target subgroups in this way. A systematic sample picks every kth person from a list, which may not guarantee balanced representation of genders or age groups. A convenience sample relies on whoever is easiest to reach, leading to biased results. A cluster sample groups the population into clusters (often by location) and samples whole clusters, which still can miss how subgroups are distributed within the population.