What is meant by census method? Give its merits and demerits.
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Answers
Answer:
A statistical investigation in which the data are collected for each and every element/unit of the population is termed as census method. ● It is also known as 'complete enumeration' or '100% enumeration' or 'complete survey'.
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The merits of a census investigation are: Intensive Study of the population. Reliable Data, since the investigator observes every item personally. Suitable Choice where the different items of the population are not homogeneous. The basis of various surveys.
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The Census Method is also called as a Complete Enumeration Survey Method wherein each and every item in the universe is selected for the data collection. ... Whenever the entire population is studied to collect the detailed data about every unit, then the census method is applied.
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Answer:
Census includes the total process of collecting, compiling, analyzing, evaluating, publishing and disseminating statistical data regarding the population and housing and their geographical location. Population characteristics include demographic, social and economic data and are provided as of a particular date (reference period).
Census Methods:
Population censuses typically use one of two approaches:
De facto – meaning enumeration of individuals as of where they are found in the census, regardless of where they normally reside.
De jure - meaning enumeration of individuals as of where they usually reside, regardless of where they are on census day.
Reliable and Accurate: Results based on census method are accurate and highly reliable. This is because each and every item of the population is studied.
Merits:
Less Biased: Results based on census method are less biased. It is because of the absence of investigator’s discretion regarding the selection of sample items.
Extensive Information: Information collected through the census method is quite exhaustive and, therefore, more meaningful because all the items of a universe are examined. For example, Population census in India gives exhaustive information relating to the number of people in different parts of the country, their age and sex composition, education, status, occupation.
Study of Diverse Characteristics: By using census method, one can study diverse characteristics of the universe.
Study of a Complex Investigation: When items in a universe are of complex nature and it is necessary to study each item, only census method can produce the desired results. Data on country’s population are collected by this method.
Indirect Investigation: Census method can be successfully used in indirect investigations, relating to Unemployment, Poverty, Corruption, etc.
Dmerits:
Costly: Census method is very costly and is, therefore, generally not used for ordinary investigations. Only the government or some big institutions can afford to use this method and that too for specific purposes only.
Lane Manpower: Census method requires a lot of manpower. Training of a large number of enumerators becomes essential but is a very difficult process.
Not suitable for Large Investigations: If the universe comprises large number of items, it may not be possible to cover each and every item: Census method becomes practically inoperative in such situations. Census method is suitable when:
Area of investigation is limited.
The units are of different qualitative phenomenon.
More accuracy is desired.
The use of census method depends on the area of research, its purpose and the available resources time, money and energy.