Sampling Theory Basics
Sampling Theory Basics
Sampling Theory Basics
Census Vs Sample
1 Enumerations
3 Types of Sampling
4 Conclusion
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.
The census is alternately known as a complete enumeration survey method. In contrast,
sampling is also known as a partial enumeration survey method.
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.
Census, is a very time-consuming method of survey, whereas, in the case of sampling,
the survey does not take much time.
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.
The results drawn by conducting a census is accurate and reliable while there are
chances of errors in the results drawn from the sample.
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.
Census is best suited for the population of heterogeneous nature. As opposed to
sampling which is appropriate for homogeneous nature.
1. To obtain the optimum results, i.e., the maximum information
about the characteristics of the population with the available
sources at our disposal in terms of time, money and manpower
by studying the sample values only.
-
Time consuming and tedious
Cluster sampling is a method where the researchers divide the entire population
into sections or clusters that represent a population. Clusters are identified and
included in a sample based on demographic parameters like age, sex, location,
etc. This makes it very simple for a survey creator to derive effective inference
TITTLE TITTLE
from the feedback.
100% 100%
Subjects are readily available
80%
Large amounts of information 80%
can be gathered quickly
60% 60%
The sample is not representative of the entire population, so results can't speak for them-
inferences are limited. future data
Prone to volunteer bias
Judgemental or purposive samples are formed by the discretion of the researcher. Researchers
purely consider the purpose of the study, along with the understanding of the target audience.
For instance, when researchers want to understand the thought process of people interested in
studying for their master’s degree. The selection criteria will be: “Are you interested in doing
your masters in …?” and those who respond with a “No” are excluded from the sample.
80% 80%
60% 60%
Very prone to bias
Samples often small
Cannot extrapolate from sample
Snowball sampling is a sampling method that researchers apply when the subjects are difficult
to trace. For example, it will be extremely challenging to survey shelterless people or illegal
immigrants. In such cases, using the snowball theory, researchers can track a few categories to
interview and derive results. Researchers also implement this sampling method in situations
where the topic is highly sensitive and not openly discussed.
60% 60%