Census sampling, in contrast to a full census, is not an attempt to gather information about every single individual in a population. Instead, it's a method where information is collected from a sample of the population, with the intention of using this data to represent the characteristics of the entire population.
Essentially, a census aims to collect data from everyone, while census sampling collects data from a representative subgroup. A census tries to examine the whole population; a sample examines only a part of it.
Therefore, the term "census sampling" is a contradiction because a census by definition involves the entire population. It's more accurate to discuss "sampling" as a data collection method separate from conducting a full census. However, sampling techniques can be used to supplement census data collection or to evaluate the accuracy of a full census.
Here's a breakdown to illustrate:
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Census (Full Count): An attempt to gather data from every member of a population. It's expensive and time-consuming.
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Sampling: Gathering data from a subset of a population to infer characteristics about the entire group. It's more efficient and less costly than a full census.
Why use sampling techniques related to a census? Here are a few scenarios:
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Census Evaluation: After a full census is conducted, a sample survey (a well-designed sample) can be used to estimate the accuracy of the census count. This helps identify undercounts or overcounts in specific demographic groups.
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Detailed Data Collection: While a census might collect basic demographic information from everyone, a sample survey can be used to gather more detailed information from a smaller, representative group. For example, a census might ask about age and gender, while a follow-up survey might ask about income, education, and employment.
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Intercensal Estimates: In between full censuses (which often happen every 5 or 10 years), sample surveys are used to update population estimates and demographic trends.
In conclusion, the term "census sampling" isn't strictly accurate since a true census aims for a complete count. However, sampling techniques are often used in conjunction with census efforts for evaluation, detailed data collection, and intercensal estimates. These sampling methods enhance and complement the full census, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the population.
