Chapter 3
Chapter 3
There are 2.000 students in a college. An investigator wants to collect data regarding their family
background. He has two possible choices. First, he collects information relating to all the 2,000
students. Second, he collects information relating to some of the students (sample of students) who
would represent all the 2,000 students. In Statistics, the first approach for collecting data is called
Census Method and the second approach is called Sample Method. The present chapter focuses on a
comprehensive of the census and sample methods of data collection. Beginning: with the concepts
of Census and Sample techniques the chapter offers a detailed discussion of the merits and demerits
of the two techniques. Also, various techniques of ‘sampling’ are discussed with a comparative look
at their merits and demerits.
Chapter 2 of the book introduces the concept of universe or population. It would be useful to
recapitulate this concept for a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of ‘Census’ and
‘Sample”.
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Or the universe If a statistical inquiry is based on all items of the universe, it is of life of the 25,000
households in your town and you decide t collect the relevant statistical data of all 25,000
households (that is, your statistical inquiry is covering all the items of the universe is covering the
entire universe) you are relying on census method of your statistical inquiry. Alternative is that you
collect statistic data for every 5th or 10th household of your town, which you think should represent
all the 25,000 households of the town. Now you are not covering each and every item of the
universe; instead you are covering only a ‘sample’ of the universe. Characteristics of the ‘sample’ are
supposed to represent characteristics of the entire universe. Or, quality of life of a sample of (say)
2,500 families is supposed to represent quality of life of all the 25.000 families of your town. This is
called a sample method of a statistical inquiry
The concepts of ‘Sample’ and ‘Population’ are projected in Fig. 1. Bigger part of this picture is
comprising the entire 27 items showing population or universe and the corresponding part
comprising of 3 items shows sample.
Population
Sample
Now you must be sure that Sample is only a part of the population or the universe. But it must be
That part which, in terms of ts characteristics represents the entire populmon
3 items
(27 Items)
Fig. 1
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To illustrate, you may be interested in the investigation of colour composition of the Maruti cars in
India. According to the Census Method, you are required to collect data on the colour of cach and
every Maruti car sold in India.
Census method implies complete enumeration of the universe/ population: Census of population is
the most suitable example of the census method of a statistical enquiry, For the estimation of the
country’s population, house to house enquiry is conducted and even people living at the roadside
are contacted in India. Census of population is conducted every ten years, and the last census was
conducted in February 2011.
Census of India 2011 reveals that in terms of the size of population India is the second largest
country
Suitability
Census method is suitable particularly for such statistical investigations which have (i) small size of
population, (ii) widely diverse items in the population, (iii) requirement of intensive examination of
different items, and (iv) high degree of accuracy and reliability.
Merits
Principal merits of census method are as under: (1) Reliable and Accurate: Results based on census
method are
Accurate and highly reliable. This is because each and every item of the population is studied. (2)
Less Biased: Results based on census method are less biased.
It is because of the absence of investigator’s discretion
(3) Extensive Information: Information collected through the census method is quite exhaustive
and therefore, more meaningful because all the items of a universe are examined. For
example, population census in India gives exhaustive information relating to the number of
people in different parts of the country, their age and sex composition, education, status,
occupation, and the like.
One can study diverse characteristics of the universe. (5) Study of Complex Investigation: When
items in a universe are of complex nature and it is necessary to study each item, only census method
can produce the desired results. Data on country’s population are collected by this method.
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(5) Indirect Investigation: Census method can be successfully used in indirect investigations
relating to unemployme poverty, corruption, etc.
Demerits
However, there are certain demerits of census method as under: (1) Costly: Census method is very
costly and is, therefore, generally not used for ordinary investigations. Only the Government or
some big institutions can afford to use this method and that too for specific purposes only.
Comprises a large number of items, then it may not be possible to cover each and every item.
Census method becomes practically inoperative in such situations.
3. SAMPLE METHOD
Sample method is that method in which data is collected about the sample
Sample method is widely used in our day-to-day life. A lady in the kitchen, for example, tests only a
grain or two of the rice to know whether the rice is boiled or not. By examining only a few drops of
blood, a doctor determines the blood group of a person.
Suitability
Sample method is particularly suitable when: (1) the size of population is very large, (ii) very high
degree of accuracy is not needed, (iii) intensive examination of diverse items is not required. And (iv)
when different units of the universe are broadly similar to each other.
Merits
Some of the principal merits of the sample method are as under (1) Economical: Sample method of
investigation is economical because only some units of the population are studied.
(2) Time Saving: In this method, only limited number of the items are investigated. As such the
process of investigation time-saving, not time-consuming.
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(3) Identification of Error: Because only a limited number of items are covered, errors can be easily
identified. To that extent sampling method shows better accuracy.
(4) Large Investigations: Sample method is more feasible in situations of large investigations than the
census method which generally involves unaffordable cost.
Capable and efficient investigators can be appointed. (6) More Scientific: According to R. Fisher,
Sample Method is more scientific because the sample data can be conveniently
Demerits
Yet there are some demerits of the sample method as under: (1) Partial: It is only a partial
investigation of the universe. The investigator’s bias in the selection of the sample is not ruled
(2) Wrong Conclusions: If the selected sample does not represent the characteristics of the universe,
the study may end up with wrong conclusions. (3) Difficulty in Selecting Representative Sample: It is
not
Essentials of a Sample
In order to arrive at an unbiased and right conclusions, a sample w must have the following qualities
or essentials:
Of
TH
(1) Representative: A sample must represent all the characteristics of the universe. It is possible
only when each unit of the universe stands equal chances of being selected in the sample.
(2) Independent: All units of a sample must be independent of each other. In other words,
inclusion of one item in the sample should not be dependent upon the inclusion of some
other items of the universe.
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(3) Homogeneity: If more than one sample are selected from a universe, these samples should
be homogeneous (and no contradictory) to each other. (4) Adequacy: The number of items
in the sample should be
Fairly adequate so that some reliable conclusions are drawn covering the characteristics of the
universe as a whole.
Learning by doing
Which method
Crinis or sample would you prefer if you are to study economic conditions of
The people in your area? Would you opt for a census method if you are to assess performance of
Economics teacher in your
If your teacher is to assess IQ level of the students in your class, would a sample of 50 be enough to
get good results?
Of 10 students out
Methods of Sampling
Random Sampling
Lottery Method
Purposive Sampling
Stratified Sampling
Non-random Sampling
(2)
(1)
Systematic Sampling
Random sampling is that method of sampling in which each and even item of the universe has equal
chance of being selected in the sample. In other words, there is an equal probability for every item
of the universe being selected in the sample.
Which of the various items of the universe would get selected in the sample is beyond the control of
the investigator. The selection left entirely to the chance factors. This method is used particularly
when various items of the universe are homogeneous or identical to each other. This method is
impartial and economical. Random Sampling may be done in any of the following ways:
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(i) Lottery Method: In this method, paper-slips are made for each item of the universe.
These slips are shuffled in a box. Then, impartially, some of the slips are drawn to form a
(ii) Tables of Random Numbers: Some statisticians have prepared a set of tables called
Tables of Random Numbers A sample is framed with reference to these tables. Of all
these tables Tippet’s Table is most widely used. Using 41,600 figures. Tippet has involved
10,400 numbers comprising of four units each. For the use of this method, all items of
the universe are first arranged in an order. Then using Tippet’s Table the required
number of items are selected as are needed for a sample.
Merits
Following points may be noted on the merits of random sampling: Random Sampling The Principal
Merit of
(i) This method is free from personal bias of the investigator. (ii) Each and every item of the
universe stands equal chances
It that each and every item of the universe has of equal chance for equil probability) of being
selected
Being selected.
(ii) The universe gets fairly represented by the sample. (iv) This is a very simple and
straightforward method.
Demerits
Are as under:
Of different items in the universe. (ii) Random sampling does not give weightage to certain
Important items in the universe. Random sampling is not Haphazard sampling. Note the difference:
Random Sampling
Sampling
Haphazard Sampling
(i) Random sampling allows every (ii) Haphazard sampling does not item an equal
chance (or equal probability) of being selected in the sample.
Allow every item an equal chance (or equal probability) of being selected in the sample
Exit polls is an interesting example of random sampling. What does it mean? It means a small
percentage of the people exiting the poll booths are contacted and asked whom they voted for From
the sample of information thus collected, a prediction is made about the victory chances of different
candidates contesting election
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Non-randimpling includes all those methods of sampling in all the wins of population do not have
equal probability (or equal chances being selected in the sample of study. Instead, convenience of
the investigator or his personal judgement plays an important role in the selection of a sample.
Some of the well known methods of non-random sampling are as under:
Merits
(a) This method is flexible to allow the inclusion of those items in the sample which are of
special significance. (b) Selection of items can be deliberately tuned to the
Purpose of study.
Items.
Demerits
Items.
(b) Because of the possibilities of personal bias, reliability of the results becomes doubtful.
(ii) Stratified or Mixed Sampling: This method of sampling is generally adopted when
population consists of different groups with different characteristics. According to this
method of sampling, population is divided into different strata having different
characteristics and some of the items are selected from each strala, that the entire
population gets represented. Each stratum should be represented in correct proportion
in the sample To illustrate, suppose there are 50 students in Class XI. Out of them, 30
have studied Mathematics and 20 have studied
Home Science in their Class X. Thus, the population of the 50 students gets divided into two strata
consisting of 30 and 20 students respectively. From each of these strata, items would be selected
proportionately such that the sample represents the characteristics of the entire population. If, of the
total 50 students, only a sample of five is to be selected. Then we shall randomly select three out of
the first stratum (comprising 30 students) and two out of the second stratum (comprising 20 students).
However, items may also be selected unproportionately from different strata.
An investigator may prefer to select four students from amongst those who studied Mathematics and
only one from amongst those who studied Home Science. The choice will be governed by the nature
of the enquiry and wisdom of the investigator.
Stratified Sampling is also called Mixed technique of sampling because this method involves the
mixture of both purposive sampling and random The division of population into different strata is
purposely done while selection of the items is done at random.
Merits
(a) This method covers diverse characteristics of the lows selection of such items which (b) On
the basis of diverse characteristics of the population, characteristics of the represent diverse
population
Population.
Meaningful results.
Demerits
(a) This method is suitable only when there is a complete knowledge about the diverse
characteristics of the population. Therefore, this has a limited scope.
(b) There is a possibility of bias at the time of classification of the population into different strata.
(c) When the size of population is already small, it may be
Difficult to further divide it into smaller parts/strata.
(iii) Systematic Sampling: According to this method, units of the population are numerically,
geographically and alphabetically arranged. Every nth item of the numbered items is
selected as a sample item. To illustrate, if 10 out of 100 students are to be selected for a
sample, then 100 students would be numbered and systematically arranged. One item of
the first 10 would be selected at random. Subsequently, every 10 th item from
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Merits
Method.
Demerits
85th and 95th. This method of sampling is, in fact, a short. Cut method of Random Sampling. (a) This is
a very simple method. Sample is easily determined
Does not allow every tem of the universe equal chance (or equal probability of being selected in the
sample
(a) Every item in the population does not get equal chance of being selected because only the
first item is selected
On the basis of random sampling. (b) If all the items in the population are homogeneous, this
method of sampling serves no specific purpose.
The population is divided into different groups or classes according to different characteristics of the
population. Some percentage of different groups in total population is fixed. Further, some quota of
the items to be selected as sample-items is fixed for each group. The investigator selects the fixed
number of items from each group to frame a sample. This method of sampling is not very expensive.
But there is
(1) Size of the Sample: Reliability of sampling depends on the size of the sample. If its
size is very small, will fail to represent the population. Accordingly, the conclusions
would lack reliability.
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(2) Method of Sampling: If the method of sampling is not simple and exhaustive, it will
not adequately represent the population. Consequently, the results will not be
dependable.
(3) Bias of Correspondents and Enumerators: Personal bias of the correspondents and
enumerators should be as less as possible. Otherwise, reliability of the sampling data
is bound to suffer. (4) Training of Enumerators: Reliability of sample also depends
(1) Coverage: In the census technique, an investigator collects information relating to all
the items in the population. In sampling method, on the other hand, only some of
the items which represent the population are covered for an investigation.
Is generally used.
(3) Accuracy: There is generally a greater degree of accuracy in the results based on the
census method than the sampling method. This is because in the census method
each and every item of the population is studied. As against it, there is less accuracy
and reliability in the sampling method because it studies only a few items of
population. However, errors can be easily detected and removed in the sampling
method because of the small number of items. To that extent sampling method
shows greater accuracy than the census method.
(4) Cost: Sampling method is certainly much less expensive than the census method.
Smaller the sample size out of the given population, lesser the cost of investigation.
(5) Time: Sample method is less time consuming than the census method.
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40
The other hand, sample method is suitable when items in t population are homogeneous.
In short, sample method of statistical investigation is generally preferred to the census method
because the former is les expensive in terms of the time, money and efforts involved However, for
the successful application of the sample method, is is very essential that the sample items represent
the characteristics of population as a whole..
Statistical Errors: Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors Statistical errors are broadly classified as (1)
sampling errors, and (i) non-sampling errors. Following are the details
Sampling Errors: These are related to the size or nature of the sample selected for the
Study. Due to a very small size of the sample selected for study or due to non-representative nature
of the sample, the estimated value may differ from the actual value of a parameter The onor thus
emerging is called sampling error. For example, if the estimated value of a parameter is found to be
10 while the actual/true value is 20 then, the sampling error estimated value of the parameter-true
value of the parameter -10-20—10
(i) Non-sampling Errors: These are errors related to the collection of data. These are of the
following types
Error of Measurement: Error of measurement may occur due to: (a) difference in the scale of
measurement, and (b) difference in the rounding off procedure adopted by different Error of Non-
response: This arises when the respondents do not offer the required information
Investigators
Error of Misinterpretation: This arises when the respondent fails to interpret the questions in
The questionnaire
Error in Data Acquisition: Such errors occur when responses are recorded incorrectly. Also, thers
could be errors related to addition, subtraction or multiplication of data Or, there could be recording
errors Me 05 may be recorded instead of 50 population
Error of Sampling Bias: It occurs when, for some reason or the other part of target cannot be
included in the choice of a sample
The field of investigation or larger the population size greater is the possibility of errors related
ection of dista or data acquisition. It must be noted here that a non-sampling error is more sericus
than a sampling error. Because a sampling error can be minimised by opting for a larger ample size
No such possibnity exists in case of non-sampling errors
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1. Census method is suitable for that investigation in which: (a) the size of population is
large
Sampling is used.
(b) Stratified
(c) Purposive
(d) Quota
(c) Both (b) and (c) 7. Which of the following factor(s) are considered when
comparison between sampling and census method is made?
(b) Unequal
Answers
1. (c)
2. (a)
3. (d)
4. (a)
5, (b)
5. (d)
6. (d)
7. (a)
2. Sampling method is suitable when the area of investigation is sampling adopted when population
consists of different groups with differes
Characteristics
4. Urror of
(Stratified/System
(non-response/calculation
(investigator/enumeration
(Quota/Convenienc
6.
Sampling method is unscientific and unreliable.
7.
(Sampling/Non-sampling
Answers
3. Stratified
4. Non-response 5. Investigator
2 large
1. Census
6 Convenience
6. Non-sampling
C. State whether the following statements are True or False 1. Every item of population is
included under the random sampling method.
(True/False
(True/Fa
(True/Fa
4. Sampling errors are related to the size or nature of the sample selected.
True/Fa
5. Census method needs less number of enumerators. 6. For the estimation of the
country’s population, census method is used in India.
(True/Fal
Answers
1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6 True
6. True
D. Matching the Correct Statements From the set of statements given in Column and Column II,
choose the correct pair of statements
Column I
Column II
1) Census method
Systematic Sampling
(a) Process of Investigation is time-consuming (b) Widely used in our day-to-day life
(c) Paper-slips are made for each item of the unive (e) A mixture of both purposive sampling
and rand
Sampling
V Strathed Sampling
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23
Identify the correct sequence of alternatives given in Column il by matching them with respective
items In Column :
Column 1
To Sample method
Column 11
Random Sampling
Measurement
(e) Allows every item an equal probability of being selected in the sample (e) Selection of the
sample items is made by choice
Answers
L (v) Stratified Sampling-(e) A mixture of both purposive sampling and random sampling 11. (c), (u)-
(e), (ul)-(d), (iv)-a). (v)-(b)
Ans. Sample is a group or collection of items from the universe wherein the characteristics of the
former are supposed to represent characteristics of the latter
Ans. Census method is that method in which data are collected covering every item of the universe
Ans. Sample method is that method in which data is collected about the sample on a group of items
taken from the population for examination and conclusions are drawn on their basis. 5. What is
meant by random sampling?
Ans. Random sampling is that method of sampling in which each and every item of the universe has
equal chance of being selected in the sample.
Items which in his opinion are the best representative of the universe
Ans. In systematic sampling, units of the population are numerically, geographically and
alphabetically arranged. Every nth item of the numbered items is selected as a sample item.
Am. In quota sampling, the population is divided into different groups or classes according
characteristics of the population
To different
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Ans. In convenience sampling, sampling is done by the investigator in such a manner that suits
convenience
(3-4 marks)
2. Short Answer Type Questions
2. What is meant by sample method? What are its uses? 3. What is the difference
between census method and sampling method?
3. Mention four main merits of census method. 5. Mention four main demerits of
census method,
9. What are the advantages of sampling method of collection of data over the census method?
10. Discuss how you would use the lottery method to select 3 students out of 10 in your class.
10. Does the lottery method always give you a random sample? Explain.
11. Explain the procedure of selecting a random sample of 3 students out of 10 in your class, by
using
12. What is meant by census method? In what conditions is this method used?
13. What is meant by sample method? Under what circumstances this method is more suitable?
18. What is the difference between universe and sample? 19. Distinguish between (0) sampling,
and (ii) non-sampling errors.
2. Explain the meaning of sampling survey. What are its advantages and
disadvantages?
(6 marks)
4. Distinguish between census and sample surveys. List four important types
of sampling methodi Explain the reasons for preparing sample surveys in
the collection of Statistics.
$ Compare the census and sample methods of collecting data with reference to reliability, time
Involved and cost 6. Describe the various methods of sampling. How is random sampling better than
systemate sampling?
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7. What are the kinds of errors you would expect in a field survey by census
method? & Distinguish between random sampling and stratified sampling,
dearly explaining the two in detail
5. Essential Practicals
1. There are 10 students in your school who excel in the game of cricket. All
are equally brilliant but you are to select only 3 out of 10 for representing
your school in the inter-zonal cricket tournament. How would you do it?
Give details with reason
2. There are 40 students in your school who are cricket players. You are to
form a team of 11 players How would you do it? Would you resort to
random sampling technique? Give reasons in support of
Your answer
4. In a village comprising 300 small and big farmers, you are to select a
sample of 10% farming households. The idea is to study cropping pattern
in the village. How would you take your decisions
On selecting the sample? 5. How would you use the random sampling method when you are to
select a sample of 3 out of 10 students in your class?
5. NCERT Questions (With Hints to Answers)
1. State whether the following statements are true or false () There is a certain bias involved in
the non-random selection of samples
2. In a village of 200 farms, a study was conducted to find the cropping pattern. Out of the 50
farms surveyed, 50% grew only wheat. Identify the population and the sample here.
(Population=200, Sample = 50]
[Sample method of statistical investigation is generally preferred to the census method because the
former is less expensive in terms of the time, money and efforts involved. However, for the
successful application of the sample method, it is very essential that the sample items represent the
characteristics of population as a whole]
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5. Which of the following errors is more serious and why?
(Non-sampling error is more serious than a sampling error. Because a sampling error can be
minimised by opting for a larger sample size. No such possibility exists in case of non-sampling
errors.] 6. Suppose there are 10 students in your class. You want to select three out of them. How
many samples
Are possible? (Selecting 3 students out of 10 is given by 1°C, 120 120 samples are possible)
6. Discuss how you would use the lottery method to select 3 students out of 10 in your class?
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7. Explain the procedure of selecting a random sample of 3 students out of 10 in your class, by
using random number tables.
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