Q2. Distinguish between sample survey and census. Describe the steps you would follow in collecting data though a sample survey. Prepare a small questionnaire for collection of income and expenditure levels of households.
Key Points:
- Census surveys all units, providing true population parameters without sampling error.
- Sample surveys study a population subset, introducing sampling error but are cost-effective.
- Steps in a sample survey include defining objectives, population, sampling method, and sample size.
- A well-designed questionnaire captures demographic, detailed income sources, and expenditure categories.
Answer: A statistical investigation can be broadly categorised into two main approaches for data collection: a census or a sample survey. Both aim to gather information about a population, but they differ significantly in their scope, methodology, and resource implications, as discussed in introductory statistical methods courses like EEC-13. A **census** involves the complete enumeration of every single unit or individual within a defined population. For instance, a national population census aims to ...