Sampling
Definition
The process of selecting items from a group to stand for the group as a whole.
Introduction
Sampling is a form of archival appraisal. Sampling techniques include exemplary sampling, exceptional sampling, illustrative 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.