Sampling Methods and Sample Size Calculation for the SMART Methodology

When we want to collect data on a population, there are different ways to proceed. In some
cases, it is possible to measure the entire population to get an accurate picture of the
nutritional status or mortality rates for the population at hand. This is called an exhaustive
survey. These cases are however very rare as they are feasible only for target populations
that are geographically concentrated and not exceeding 1000 households, as seen in camps or very small areas. For larger populations, an exhaustive survey will be long,
expensive, difficult and unnecessary. In addition, the results of such a survey cannot be
extrapolated to other regions.