CENSUS & SAMPLE METHODS

OF
COLLECTION
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CENSUS METHOD:
METHOD OF COMPLETE ENUMERATION
Census method is that method in which data are collected covering every item of the universe or
population relating to the problem under investigation.
Census method implies complete enumeration of the universal 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 in the world next only to China.
In Statistics, the term population means the aggregate of all items about which we want o obtain
information.
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.

Principal merits of census method are as under;

(1) Reliable and Accurate:
(2) Less Biased:
(3) Extensive Information:
(4) Study of Diverse Characteristics:
(5) Study of Complex Investigation:
(6) Indirect Investigation:

Demerits
(1) Costly:
(2) Large Manpower
(3) Not Suitable for Large Investigations:

SAMPLE METHOD
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.
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:
(i) 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
(1) Economical:
(2) Time Saving:
(3) Identification of errors
(4) Large Investigations:
(5) Unaffordable cost.
(7) Administrative Convenience:
(8) More Scientific: According to R. Fisher, Sample Method is more scientific because the sample
data can be conveniently investigated from various angles. from various angles.

Demerits
(1) Partial: It is only a partial investigation of the universe.
(2) Wrong Conclusions:
(3) Difficulty in Selecting Representative Sample:
(4) Difficulty in Framing a Sample:
(5) Specialised Knowledge:

Essentials of a Sample
(1) Representative:
(2) Independent:
(3) Homogeneity
(4) Adequacy.

Methods of sampling
(1) Random Sampling
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. In other words, there is an equal probability for every
item of the universe being selected in the sample.
The Principal Merit of Random Sampling
It is that each and every item of the universe has equal chance (or equal probability) of being
selected
(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 sample of universe
(ii) Tables of Random Numbers: Some statisticians have prepared a set of tables called Tables of
Random Numbers. À 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.
Merits
(i) This method is free from personal bias of the investigator.
(ii)Each and every item of the universe stands equal chances of being selected
iii) The universe gets fairly represented by the sample.
(iv) This is a very simple and straightforward method.
Demerits
(i) This method does not guarantee proportionate representation 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. difference:

Random Sampling
(i) Random sampling is in accordance with the rules of sampling.
(ii) Random sampling allows every item an equal chance (or equal probability) of being selected in
the sample.
Haphazard Sampling
(i) Haphazard sampling is not in accordance with the rules of sampling.
(ii) Haphazard sampling does not allow every item an equal chance (or equal probability) of being
selected in the sample.

Random Sampling and Exit Polls

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.

Non-Random Sampling
Non-random sampling includes all those methods of sampling in which all the units of population
do not have equal probability (or equal chances) of being selected in the sample of study.

Types
(1) Purposive or Deliberate Sampling: Purposive sampling is that method in which the
investigator himself makes the choice of the sample items which in his opinion are the best
representative of the universe.
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.
(c) It is a very simple technique of selection of the sample items.

Demerits
(a) There is a possibility of personal bias in the selection of items.
(b) Because of the possibilities of personal bias, reliability of the results becomes doubtful.

(2) 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 stratum, so that the entire population gets represented. Each stratum should be
represented in correct proportion in the sample.

The Principal Merit of Stratified Sampling

It allows selection of such items which represent diverse characteristics of the population.
Merits
(a) This method covers diverse characteristics of the population.
(b) On the basis of diverse characteristics of the population, a comparative analysis of the data
becomes possible.
(c) This method of sampling offers reliable as well as 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.

(3) 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.

Merits
(a) This is a very simple method. Sample is easily determined.
(b) There is hardly any possibility of personal bias in this method.

Demerits
(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.

(4) Quota Sampling: In this method, 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.
(5) Convenience Sampling: In this method, sampling is done by the investigator in such a manner
that suits his convenience.

Reliability of Sampling Data

(1) Size of the Sample: Reliability of sampling depends on the size of the sample. If its size is very
small, it will fail to represent the population. Accordingly, the conclusions would lack reliability.
(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 upon the training of the
investigators. If they are not trained to make them expert in their field of investigation, the sample
will lack reliability.
Census and Sampling Methods:
A Comparative Look h Some of the principal differences between census and sampling methods
are as under:
(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.
(2) Suitability: Census method is suitable when the area of soiono investigation is relatively small.
On the other hand, when the area of investigation is large, it is the sampling method which 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.
(6) Nature of Items: Census method is particularly suitable when the items in the population have
diverse characteristics. On the other hand, sample method is suitable when items in the population
are homogeneous.
(7) Verification: Verification of the statistical information obtained through census method is
generally not possible.
It would involve huge expenses and the repetition of the whole process. Sample information, on
the other hand, can be easily verified. In case of doubt, enumeration can be done again and facts
verified accordingly.
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