Census And Sample

Methods
Methods for Statistical Investigation
 INTRODUCTION
In all the spheres of life the need
of economic investigation as well
as data analysis id rising with the
following days.
Basically there are two methods
for collection of statistical data :
o Census Method
o Sample Method
Under the Census Method,
information is sought from the
entire lot or population. And then
studied further. Where as in the
Sample Method, the information
is sought from the sample i.e. a
small part of the population and
studies on the data collected is
carried out further.
 BASIC CONCEPTS
Universe or Population
In statistics, universe or population means
an aggregate of items about which we
obtain information. A universe or population
means the entire field under investigation
about which the information is sought.

For example: The height of 200 students of a

college is to be measured. Here this entire
lot of 200 students including each and every
student is called the population or universe.
Population or universe is of two types :
Finite : Here the no. of items is definite.
Like, no. of students, no. of teachers
etc.
Infinite : Here the no. of items is not
definite. Like, no. of hairs on head, no.
of stars etc.

Sample
A part of population is called a sample.
Basically, selected items out of a
universe for statistical investigation is
called sample.
For Example: The monthly expenditure of
1500 students is to be obtained as
information for statistical study for
investigation. The investigator selects
150 students out of the whole
population, which will we representing
the entire population. The data will be
sought from them and these 150
students will be called as the sample.
Study will be carried out on the data
collected from this sample and results
inferred there on.
 CENSUS METHOD
Census method is a method for
statistical measurement or
investigation, where the data is
collected or sought from all the
units of the universe, and the data
collected from them is
investigated and results are
concluded there after. This
method is also called, Complete
Enumeration Method.
For Example: Information regarding the
average weight is to be collected from
2000 students from a university. Here,
under the census method or complete
enumeration method, the information is
sought from all the units of the universe
i.e. 2000 students. And the investigation
will be done on the data collected from
the 2000 students. Basically each and
every unit is considered while collection
of data. The population of India is
conducted after every 10 years by using
census method.
 MERITS OF THE CENSUS
METHOD
o Reliable and Accurate :
Since more amount of data is collected,
this method is more reliable.
o Extensive Information :

The method gives detailed information

about each and every unit of the universe.
o Suitability :

This method is more suitable for limited

scope and diverse characteristics.
 DEMERITS OF CENSUS
METHOD
o More Expensive :
Since more data is to be collected, more funds
are required.
o More Time :

More data collection requires more time.

o More Labour :

A large no. of enumerators are required.

o Not Suitable for Specific Problems :

This method is not suitable for certain

purposes. Eg: Blood Test etc.
 SAMPLING METHOD
Sample method is a method of statistical
investigation where the data is collected from a
part of the population, rather than the whole of
it. This selection of the sample requires special
skills for the right selection.

For Example: Average monthly income of 5000

employees is to be calculated. Now the
investigator will select a sample of an amount
smaller than that of the universe. Data will be
sought from the sample selected and the final
result will be calculated based on that data.
 IMPORTANCE OF SAMPLING
METHOD
In todays world, the sample method, holds a very
important role. It is used basically in all the places.
Since it is easy to apply and is mostly reliable if proper
sample is taken.

For Example:
A housewife comes to know about the quality of rice
by examining just 2-3 grains.
A doctor comes to know about the infection in the
blood by testing 2-3 drops.
Statistical quality controller comes to know about the
quality of goods produced by examining 2-3 units.
 MERITS OF SAMPLING
METHOD
o Saving of Time :
Since data is sought only from a small part
of population, time is saved.
o Saving of Money :

Small population means less funds are

required while collection of data, so money is
saved.
o Intensive Study :

Since a small amount of data is to be

studied, it can be studied intensively.
o Organizational Convenience :
Due to a small amount, the work can be
organized and executed carefully.
o More Reliable :
If the selection of sample is done carefully,
the results come out to be reliable.
o More Scientific :

This method is more scientific, since the

data can be inquired with other samples.
o Only Method :
In fields where inquiry by census method is
not possible, sampling method is more
appropriate.
 DEMERITS OF SAMPLING
METHOD
o Less Accurate :
It is less accurate since inquiring to each
unit, the sample is inquired with only
some units.
o Wrong Conclusions :
If sample selection is biased or proper
precaution is not taken, the results are
misleading.
o Less Reliable :
Compared to census method, sampling
has more chances of biased selection
and hence it is less reliable.
o Need of Specific Knowledge :
The selection of sample requires some
sort of special knowledge.
o Not Suitable :
If all the units of population are different
from one another, then sampling method
will not be useful.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CENSUS AND SAMPLE
METHOD

CENSUS
All items related to SAMPLE
universe are Only a few items are
investigated.
investigated.
It is more expensive.

It is not comparatively
Limited Field. less expensive.
Units of population are Large Field.
heterogeneous. Population units are
More time is required.
homogeneous.
Less time is required.