What is census method of data collection and it merits and demerits?
Answers
Census Definition
Under the census or complete enumeration method, the statistician collects the data for each and every unit of the population or universe. This universe is a complete set of items which are of interest in any situation.
To give you an example, if you record the marks of all students of B.Com of the Mumbai University for analysis, it is a census investigation.
census definition
The population census is another example of a census investigation. Usually, this method is recommended in cases where the area of investigation is limited and requires intensive examination of the population.
Merits of a Census Investigation
Now that the census definition is clear, let’s look at the merits of a census investigation.
Intensive Study – Under census investigation, you must obtain data from each and every unit of the population. Further, it enables the statistician to study more than one aspect of all items of the population. To give you an example, the Indian Government conducts a census investigation once every 10 years. The authorities collect the data regarding the population size, males, and females, education levels, sources of income, religion, etc.
Reliable Data – The data that a statistician collects through a census investigation is more reliable, representative, and accurate. This is because, in a census, the statistician observes every item personally.
Suitable Choice – It is a great choice in situations where the different items of the population are not homogeneous.
The basis of various surveys – Data from a census investigation is used as a basis in various surveys.
Demerits of a Census Investigation
A census investigation also has certain demerits. Some of these demerits are:
Costs – Since the statistician closely observes each and every item of the population before collecting the data, it makes a census investigation a very costly method of investigation. Usually, government organizations adopt this method to collect detailed data like the population census or agricultural census or the census of industrial protection, etc.
Time-consuming – A census investigation is time-consuming and also requires manpower to collect original data.
Possibilities of Errors – There are many possibilities of errors in the census investigation method due to non-response, measurement, lack of preciseness of the definition of statistical units or even the personal bias of the investigators.
Step-by-step explanation: