The various samples and sampling universes available to the researcher about to undertake a cross-cultural study are systematically reviewed. Discussed are the Human Relations Area Files, the "World Ethnographic Sample," the Ethnographic Atlas (both the complete atlas as well as the summary version), the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample, the Quality Control Sample (or HRAF Probability Sample), and the "Standard Eth nographic Sample." Following an assessment of each sample, recom mendations are made as to the conditions and circumstances under which the samples should be utilized. The discussion concludes with recommen dations for drawing a sample from one of the samples or sampling universes.