Difference Between Census and Sampling

April 11, 2016 By Surbhi S 2 Comments

Cen
sus and sampling are two methods of collecting survey data
about the population that are used by many
countries. Census refers to the quantitative research method,
in which all the members of the population are enumerated.
On the other hand, the sampling is the widely used method,
in statistical testing, wherein a data set is selected from the
large population, which represents the entire group.
Census implies complete enumeration of the study objects,
whereas Sampling connotes enumeration of the subgroup of
elements chosen for participation. These two survey methods
are often contrasted with each other, and so this article makes
an attempt to clear the differences between census and
sampling, in detail; Have a look.

Content: Census Vs Sampling

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
 3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion
Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR
CENSUS SAMPLING
COMPARISON

Meaning A systematic method that collects and records Sampling refers to a portion of
the data about the members of the population is selected to represent the entire g
called Census. characteristics.

Enumeration Complete Partial

Study of Each and every unit of the population. Only a handful of units of the pop

Time required It is a time consuming process. It is a fast process.

Cost Expensive method Economical method

Results Reliable and accurate Less reliable and accurate, due to

error in the data collected.

Error Not present. Depends on the size of the popula

Appropriate for Population of heterogeneous nature. Population of homogeneous natur

Definition of Census

A well-organised procedure of gathering, recording and

analysing information regarding the members of the
population is called a census. It is an official and complete
count of the universe, wherein each and every unit of the
universe is included in the collection of data. Here universe
implies any region (city or country), a group of people,
through which the data can be acquired.
Under this technique, the enumeration is conducted about the
population by considering the entire population. Hence this
method requires huge finance, time and labour for gathering
information. This method is useful, to find out the ratio of
male to female, the ratio of literate to illiterate people, the
ratio of people living in urban areas to the people in rural
areas.
Definition of Sampling

We define sampling as the process in which the fraction of the

population, so selected to represent the characteristics of the
larger group. This method is used for statistical testing, where
it is not possible to consider all members or observations, as
the population size is very large.
As statistical inferences are based on the sampling
observations, the selection of the appropriate representative
sample is of utmost importance. So, the sample selected
should indicate the entire universe and not exhibit a
particular section. On the basis of the data collected from the
representative samples, the conclusion is drawn from the
whole population. For instance: A company places an order
for raw material by simply checking out the sample.
The units which constitute sample is considered as ‘Sampling
Units’. The full-fledged list containing all sampling units is
called ‘Sampling Frame’.
Key Differences Between Census and Sampling
The paramount differences between census and sampling are
discussed in detail in the given below points:
1. The census is a systematic method that collects and
records the data about the members of the population.
The sampling is defined as the subset of the population
selected to represent the entire group, in all its
characteristics.
2. The census is alternately known as a complete
enumeration survey method. In contrast, sampling is also
known as a partial enumeration survey method.
3. In the census, each and every unit of population is
researched. On the contrary, only a handful of items is
selected from the population for research.
4. Census, is a very time-consuming method of survey,
whereas, in the case of sampling, the survey does not take
much time.
5. The census method requires high capital investment as it
involves the research and collection of all the values of
the population. Unlike sampling which is a comparatively
economical method.
6. The results drawn by conducting a census is accurate and
reliable while there are chances of errors in the results
drawn from the sample.
7. The size of the sample determines the probability of
errors in the outcome, i.e. the larger the size of
population the less are the chances of errors and the
smaller the size; the higher are the chances of errors. This
 is not possible with census as all the items are taken into
consideration.
8. Census is best suited for the population of heterogeneous
nature. As opposed to sampling which is appropriate for
homogeneous nature.
Conclusion

Many people interpret census as the opposite of sampling, in

which all the members of the population are taken into
account instead of only a fraction. But the census is based on
the sampling frame to enumerate population. Therefore, it is
quite clear that these two quantitative research methodologies
are different, but it can’t be said that one is above the other.