Paper 2 · CBD land-use survey methodology
A survey area with two contrasting land-use zones is sampled by first dividing it into those zones and then sampling within each one (stratified sampling), rather than sampling the whole area at random. What is a genuine advantage of this approach?
AIt removes any need for prior knowledge of the two zones before sampling design begins
BIt ensures both contrasting zones are represented in the results, allowing direct comparison
CIt reduces the total number of sample points required compared with sampling done entirely at random
DIt avoids needing to define a boundary line between the two zones before sampling begins
Explanation: Dividing the area into the two contrasting zones before sampling guarantees that both zones appear in the results in proportion to the sampling design, which lets the researcher directly compare the zones; a purely random sample could by chance under-represent or miss a smaller zone entirely. Stratified sampling still requires prior knowledge of where the zone boundary lies, so it does not remove that requirement, and it does not inherently reduce the number of points needed or remove the need to define the boundary.
Derived from ZIMSEC Geography Paper 2, November 2004, Q2
