block sampling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “block sampling” mean?
A statistical method where groups or clusters of items are selected as units for analysis rather than individual items.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A statistical method where groups or clusters of items are selected as units for analysis rather than individual items.
In various fields, it can refer to selecting contiguous sections, batches, or predefined groups for examination, testing, or quality control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “block sampling” in a Sentence
[Subject] + [verb] + block sampling + [on/in] + [object][Block sampling] + [verb] + [object][Adjective] + block sampling + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “block sampling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The auditor decided to block sample the ledger entries from Q3.
- We will need to block sample these production batches.
American English
- The auditor decided to use block sampling on the ledger entries from Q3.
- We need to perform block sampling on these production runs.
adverb
British English
- The data was collected block-sampling-wise.
American English
- The data was collected using a block sampling method.
adjective
British English
- The block-sampling approach proved more efficient.
- We reviewed the block-sampling methodology.
American English
- The block sampling approach was more efficient.
- We reviewed the block sampling methodology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in auditing to select contiguous transactions or time periods for review.
Academic
A research methodology in statistics and social sciences for selecting grouped data points.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in statistics, quality control, and data analysis for efficient group-based selection.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “block sampling”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “block sampling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “block sampling”
- Using 'block sampling' to mean preventing someone from taking a sample.
- Confusing it with 'blocking' in experimental design, which is different.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While block sampling can involve random selection of blocks, it selects groups of items together, whereas simple random sampling selects individual items independently.
Its main advantage is logistical efficiency and cost reduction, as it is often easier and cheaper to sample contiguous groups or clusters.
A key disadvantage is the potential for increased sampling error or bias if the variation within the population is not evenly distributed across the blocks.
Yes, especially in auditing, a 'block' can be a contiguous period like a week or a month, from which all transactions are sampled.
A statistical method where groups or clusters of items are selected as units for analysis rather than individual items.
Block sampling is usually technical/formal in register.
Block sampling: in British English it is pronounced /blɒk ˈsɑːmplɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /blɑk ˈsæmplɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a city BLOCK being selected as a whole for a survey, rather than knocking on every single door.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAMPLING IS HARVESTING (taking representative sections from a larger field).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'block sampling' LEAST likely to be a standard term?