Question

The list of all sampling units in the population is known as :

• A. Frame
• B. Cluster
• C. Strata
• D. Sub population

Hint:

To remember this term:
The "Frame" holds the population together.
Without a proper sampling frame, it is impossible to conduct probability sampling.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In survey sampling, we must clearly define the target population before selecting a sample.
To draw a representative sample, we need a physical or conceptual directory that lists every individual element or unit in that population.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us define the terminology used in sampling theory:
- Sampling Frame (A): A complete, up-to-date list of all the sampling units in the population from which the sample is selected. Examples include a telephone directory, a voter registration list, or a map of agricultural plots. This is the correct term.
- Cluster (B): A grouping of population elements that are close to each other geographically or physically, which we treat as a single sampling unit during the first stage of sampling (e.g., a school, a city block).
- Strata (C): Homogeneous, non-overlapping subpopulations into which the population is divided before stratified random sampling (e.g., dividing a population by gender or income bracket).
- Subpopulation (D): Any subset of the main population that shares one or more common characteristics.
Thus, the actual physical list of all units is known as the sampling frame (or simply "frame").

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A).