random-walk technique A method of random sampling in which the number of paces between sample points is determined by random numbers, usually drawn from random-number tables, and from each sample point a right-angle turn determines the direction of the next point, a coin being tossed to decide whether to turn left or right. Where several sets of samples are taken it is best to start each set from the same point; if this is impossible it is important that the range of numbers from which a selection is made must allow each point within the study to have an equal chance of being sampled each time.

random-walk technique A method of sampling in which the number of paces between sample points is determined by random numbers, usually drawn from random-number tables, and from each sample point a right-angle turn determines the direction of the next point, a coin being tossed to decide whether to turn left or right. Where several sets of samples are taken it is best to start each set from the same point; if this is impossible it is important that the range of numbers from which a selection is made must allow each point within the study to have an equal chance of being sampled each time.

random-walk technique A method of random sampling in which the direction taken and the distance moved between sample points is determined by random numbers, drawn most usually from random-number tables.