Stratified sampling
Definition
A sampling design that divides the population into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and samples each stratum separately. Allows the auditor to apply higher sampling intensity to high-risk strata and lower intensity to low-risk strata, improving efficiency without sacrificing coverage.
Related terms
- Attribute sampling
- A statistical sampling method that tests whether each selected item either has or lacks a specified attribute, for example whether a change...
- Cluster sampling
- A design in which the population is divided into naturally occurring groups called clusters, a random sample of clusters is selected, and...
- Confidence level
- An explicit label attached to an attribution assessment indicating how strongly the available evidence supports the conclusion. Standard tiers are low, medium,...
- Monetary unit sampling (MUS)
- A probability-proportional-to-size method that treats each currency unit in the population as a sampling unit. Larger transactions have a higher probability of...
- Risk-directed selection
- A judgmental sampling approach in which items are chosen because they exhibit specific risk indicators: unusual amounts, unusual payees, bypass of normal...
- Sampling bias
- A systematic distortion in an estimate caused by a selection process that does not give all units a known probability of inclusion....
- Sampling error
- The difference between a sample statistic and the true population value, arising from the randomness of selection. It can be estimated from...
- Sampling frame
- The list or description of all units from which the sample can be drawn. Any unit not on the frame cannot be...
- Simple random sampling
- A design in which every possible subset of a given size has an equal probability of being selected. It requires a complete...
- Tolerable deviation rate (TDR)
- The maximum rate of control deviations the auditor is willing to accept before concluding that a control cannot be relied upon. Setting...
Explained in these topics
- Sampling Strategies and Representative DataA design in which the population is divided into mutually exclusive subgroups called strata, and units are sampled independently from each stratum. It reduces...
- Sampling Techniques in Fraud AuditsA sampling design that divides the population into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and samples each stratum separately. Allows the auditor to apply higher sampl...