Census Method

A census method is that process of the statistical list where all members of a population are
analysed. The population relates to the set of all observations under concern. For instance, if you
want to carry out a study to find out student’s feedback about the amenities of your school, then
all the students of your school would form a component of the ‘population’ for your study.

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Sampling Method
A sampling method is a process for choosing sample members from a population. Three (3)
common sampling methods are:

 Simple random sampling

 Stratified sampling
 Cluster sampling

Census method and its advantages

Q.1. Explain the census method of collection of data. Give its advantages and
disadvantages.

Answer

(A) Census ● A statistical investigation in which the data are collected for each and
method every element/unit of the population is termed as census method.

● It is also known as ‘complete enumeration’ or ‘100%

enumeration’ or ‘complete survey’.
 ● It is useful when case intensive study is required or the area is
limited.

● Examples:

1. Demographic data on birth and death rates, literacy, workforce,

life expectancy, size and composition of a population

2. The census of India is conducted every 10 years.

(B) The following are the advantages of the census method.

(1) Intensive ● It provides intensive and in-depth information covering many facets of the
study problems.
● Example: In a population census, not only the number of persons
is counted, but the information is also collected on various other
parameters like the number of males and females, age, education,
marital status, occupational level, income health conditions, etc.

(2) Results ● Since, in this type of investigation, every item of the universe is taken into
are more account, the conclusions are more accurate and reliable.
accurate and
reliable

(B) The following are the disadvantages of the census method.

(1) Costly ● Since the data are obtained for or from each and every unit of the
method population, it is a very expensive method of investigation, especially in case of
a large population size.

(2) Needs ● Since a large volume of data is to be collected, more time and manpower is
more time required for its collection, analysis, and interpretation.
and
manpower

(3) Not ● This method is meaningless in the case of an infinite universe where the
suitable for number of items is unlimited.
the large
population

Sampling method and its advantages

Q.2. Explain the sampling method of collection of data. Briefly discuss its advantages and
disadvantages.

Answer

(A) Sampling method ● The sampling method is the one in which only some of
the representative items of the population are selected and the
data are collected from these.

● Instead of collecting information for and from all

the units of population, we select a sample, i.e., only a
few items of the population.

● Conclusions derived from the small sample are

generalised for the whole population.

(B) The following are the advantages of the sampling method.

(1) Economical, i.e., low cost ● It is more economical than the census method, as the task
of collection and analysis of data is limited only to a small
sample, i.e., a few units of the population.

(2) Quick results ● In this method, only a few units are analysed, hence we
get quicker results.

(3) Indispensable or greater ● The sampling method becomes indispensable, whereas

scope the census method is impracticable. Example:
● If the life of bulbs is to be tested by the
manufacturer

● If the quality of nuts and bolts is to be tested

● If blood test is to be carried out

● If the quality of prints is to be tested while

printing books

(4) Scientific approach ● The sampling method is more scientific than the census
Method, as it is possible to determine the extent of reliability
of its results.
(5) Follow up ● Due to the small size of the sample, it is possible to cross-
check the data to test the reliability.

(6) Helpful in checking ● Due to scientific nature, the sampling method can be used
census results to cross-check the results of the census method.

(C) The following are the disadvantages of the sampling method.

(1) Difficult to achieve cent ● The conclusions of the sampling method are based only
percent accuracy on the results of a few items taken from the whole population.
Thus, these may not be cent percent correct.

(2) Bias in the selection of ● If the investigator is biased, then he might select a sample
sample deliberately.
● In such cases, the selected sample may not be the
best representative of the population.

(3) Difficult to select a sample
having all the characteristics
of the population
● In practice, it is very difficult to obtain a sample that truly
represents the population.
● A sample may not have all the characteristics of
the population.

(4) Need for specialised ● It is a special technique and beyond the capacity of every
knowledge and training person.
● Its use requires specialised knowledge and
training.

Difference between Census and Sampling Method

Q.3. Distinguish between census method and sampling method.

Answer:

Parameters Census Method Sampling Method

(1) Nature of The extensive enquiry is The limited enquiry is conducted as

enquiry conducted at each and every unit only a few units of the population are
 of the population. studied.

(2) Economy More Time, Money, and Labour Less Time, Money, and Labour
It requires a large amount of Relatively less money, time, and labour
money, time, and labour. are required.

(3) Suitability It is more suitable if the It is more suitable if the population is

population is heterogeneous in homogeneous in nature.
nature.

(4) Reliability The results are quite reliable and The results of the sampling method are
and Accuracy accurate under the census less reliable because a high degree of
method. accuracy is not achieved.

(5) Organisation It is very difficult to organise and The sampling method is comparatively
and Supervision supervise the census method. easy to organise and supervise.

(6) Verification Under this method, the results of Under this method, the results can be
the investigation cannot be tested by taking out another small
verified. sample.

(7) Nature of The census method is an old The sampling method is a new and
method method of investigation and not a practicable method. It is a scientific
very scientific method. method.

The above-mentioned concept is for CBSE Class 11 Statistics for Census Method and Sample
Method. For solutions and study materials for Class 11 Statistics, visit our website or download
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