What is the Census Method?

The Census Method is a process in statistical analysis where every single unit
or member of a population is studied. In this context, a population includes the entire
set of observations or elements under investigation. For example, if you’re conducting
a study to gauge students’ opinions about school amenities, then all students represent
the total population for your study.

Advantages of the Census Method

1. In-Depth Analysis:
o By examining every member of a population, this method provides a detailed
view of multiple facets. In population studies, for example, it allows the
collection of data on education, income, and employment simultaneously.
2. High Accuracy and Reliability:
o Because it encompasses every unit in the population, the Census Method
yields results that are highly accurate and reliable. This is especially important
in national population censuses and economic surveys.
3. Comprehensive Data Collection:
o Allows for the gathering of extensive data across various parameters. For
example, in a school census, information on students’ grades, participation in
extracurricular activities, and health records can all be collected.
4. Benchmarking and Trend Analysis:
o Since censuses are conducted regularly, they provide benchmarks for trend
analysis and comparison over time. Governments use census data to track
demographic changes and plan infrastructure, education, and healthcare
accordingly.
5. Detailed Insights for Policy Making:
o The data obtained from the Census Method serves as a valuable resource for
creating targeted policies. For example, if a population census reveals a high
unemployment rate, policies can be devised to address this issue specifically.
Disadvantages of the Census Method
1. Extremely High Costs:
o Due to the scale of data collection, the Census Method is highly costly,
making it challenging to conduct frequently. The cost includes personnel,
travel, and resources required for data processing.
2. Time-Consuming:
o It can take months or even years to complete a census, particularly in
countries with large or dispersed populations. In addition, data processing and
analysis further extend the timeline.
3. Requirement of Extensive Manpower:
o The Census Method requires a substantial number of workers, such as
enumerators, data analysts, and supervisors. For instance, a national
population census might involve thousands of workers across different
regions.
4. Impractical for Large or Infinite Populations:
o This method is not feasible for infinite or extremely large populations, such as
all the fish in an ocean, due to logistical constraints.
5. Possible Data Inaccuracy Due to Fatigue:
o As the process is exhaustive, data collectors may experience fatigue, which
could lead to errors in data collection, especially toward the end of the survey.

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
Sampling Method: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of the Sampling Method
1. Cost-Efficient:
 o As only a small portion of the population is studied, the Sampling Method is
significantly less costly compared to the Census Method. This allows for more
frequent studies or surveys, even with limited budgets.
2. Quicker Results:
o Because the sample size is small, data collection and analysis can be
completed quickly, which is beneficial for timely decision-making in dynamic
fields like market research.
3. Reduced Manpower Requirements:
o Fewer personnel are needed to collect and process data, making this method
more manageable and less labor-intensive.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability:
o Sampling allows researchers to adjust the sample size or modify data
collection methods as needed. This adaptability makes it ideal for pilot studies
or exploratory research.
5. Scientific and Statistical Precision:
o The Sampling Method allows for scientific estimation of the reliability of
results. Using statistical tools, researchers can measure the margin of error
and confidence levels.
6. Ideal for Destructive Testing:
o In cases where testing is destructive (e.g., testing the lifespan of light bulbs),
sampling is the only feasible option, as testing the entire population would
eliminate all products.
Disadvantages of the Sampling Method
1. Limited Accuracy:
o Since conclusions are drawn from a subset of the population, there is always a
margin of error. This can be particularly significant if the sample is not truly
representative.
2. Potential for Sampling Bias:
o If the sample is not selected carefully, it may not accurately reflect the entire
population. This could result from personal bias, accidental bias, or selection
bias, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
 3. Difficulties in Achieving Representation:
o Finding a sample that accurately represents all characteristics of the
population is challenging, particularly in diverse populations. Incomplete
representation can affect the validity of the study.
4. Dependence on Sampling Techniques:
o This method requires careful planning and expertise in choosing the right
sampling technique (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling). Improper
sampling techniques can lead to misleading results.
5. Less Reliable for Highly Diverse Populations:
o For populations with wide variability, a single sample may not provide
adequate insights. Larger or multiple samples may be required to achieve
more reliable results.
6. Requires Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
o Effective sampling and subsequent data analysis require knowledge of
statistical methods and experience. Not everyone has the skill set needed for
accurate sample selection and analysis.
Methods of Sampling

Probability sampling methods

Probability sampling means that every member of the population has a chance
of being selected. It is mainly used in quantitative research. If you want to produce
results that are representative of the whole population, probability sampling
techniques are the most valid choice.
There are four main types of probability sample.

1. Simple random sampling

In a simple random sample, every member of the population has an equal chance of
being selected. Your sampling frame should include the whole population.

To conduct this type of sampling, you can use tools like random number generators or
other techniques that are based entirely on chance.
2. Systematic sampling

Systematic sampling is similar to simple random sampling, but it is usually slightly

easier to conduct. Every member of the population is listed with a number, but instead
of randomly generating numbers, individuals are chosen at regular intervals.

3. Stratified sampling

Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subpopulations that may
differ in important ways. It allows you draw more precise conclusions by ensuring that
every subgroup is properly represented in the sample.

To use this sampling method, you divide the population into subgroups (called strata)
based on the relevant characteristic (e.g., gender identity, age range, income bracket,
job role).

4. Cluster sampling

Cluster sampling also involves dividing the population into subgroups, but each
subgroup should have similar characteristics to the whole sample. Instead of sampling
individuals from each subgroup, you randomly select entire subgroups.

If it is practically possible, you might include every individual from each sampled
cluster. If the clusters themselves are large, you can also sample individuals from
within each cluster using one of the techniques above. This is called multistage
sampling.

Non-probability sampling methods

In a non-probability sample, individuals are selected based on non-random criteria,

and not every individual has a chance of being included.

This type of sample is easier and cheaper to access, but it has a higher risk of sampling
bias. That means the inferences you can make about the population are weaker than
with probability samples, and your conclusions may be more limited. If you use a non-
probability sample, you should still aim to make it as representative of the population
as possible.

1. Convenience sampling

A convenience sample simply includes the individuals who happen to be most

accessible to the researcher.

This is an easy and inexpensive way to gather initial data, but there is no way to tell if
the sample is representative of the population, so it can’t
produce generalizable results. Convenience samples are at risk for both sampling
bias and selection bias.

2. Voluntary response sampling

Similar to a convenience sample, a voluntary response sample is mainly based on ease

of access. Instead of the researcher choosing participants and directly contacting them,
people volunteer themselves (e.g. by responding to a public online survey).

Voluntary response samples are always at least somewhat biased, as some people will
inherently be more likely to volunteer than others, leading to self-selection bias.

3. Purposive sampling

This type of sampling, also known as judgement sampling, involves the researcher
using their expertise to select a sample that is most useful to the purposes of the
research.

It is often used in qualitative research, where the researcher wants to gain detailed
knowledge about a specific phenomenon rather than make statistical inferences, or
where the population is very small and specific. An effective purposive sample must
have clear criteria and rationale for inclusion. Always make sure to describe
your inclusion and exclusion criteria and beware of observer bias affecting your
arguments.
4. Snowball sampling

If the population is hard to access, snowball sampling can be used to recruit

participants via other participants. The number of people you have access to
“snowballs” as you get in contact with more people. The downside here is also
representativeness, as you have no way of knowing how representative your sample is
due to the reliance on participants recruiting others. This can lead to sampling bias.

5. Quota sampling

Quota sampling relies on the non-random selection of a predetermined number or

proportion of units. This is called a quota.

You first divide the population into mutually exclusive subgroups (called strata) and
then recruit sample units until you reach your quota. These units share specific
characteristics, determined by you prior to forming your strata. The aim of quota
sampling is to control what or who makes up your sample.

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