Sampling

Definition


The process of selecting items from a group to stand for the group as a whole. 

Source: Richard Pearse-Moses. A glossary of archival and records terminology. Chicago: Society of American Archivists.

Introduction


Sampling is a form of archival appraisalSampling techniques include exemplary samplingexceptional samplingillustrative sampling, and systematic sampling

Exemplary sampling

Exemplary sampling is a technique of selecting a limited number of typical items to represent a larger group.

Exceptional sampling

Exceptional sampling is a technique of selecting a subset based on unusual or important qualities.

Illustrative sampling

Illustrative sampling is a method of appraisal that selects a portion of records for preservation from a larger series based on the selector’s judgment, which may be informed by specific criteria.

Systematic sampling

Systematic sampling is a technique of selecting items from a group based on some formal characteristic, without regard to the content of the items. Characteristics can include alphabetical, numerical, or chronological order.

Related terms


Appraisal

Reappraisal

Selection