A comprehensive survey is a research method where data is collected from every single member of an entire population. It is essentially a census.
Understanding Comprehensive Surveys
According to the provided information, a comprehensive survey is defined as:
A comprehensive survey is a survey that is done on an entire population. It is more popularly known as a census. When you use a comprehensive survey, you distribute your questionnaire to all the members of a population.
This means that instead of studying a small group (a sample) to make inferences about a larger group (a population), a comprehensive survey aims to collect data from everyone in the defined population.
Key Characteristics
- Total Population Inclusion: Data is sought from every individual or unit within the target group.
- High Accuracy: Because the entire population is covered, the results offer a highly accurate snapshot of the population's characteristics, attitudes, or behaviors at that specific time.
- Resource Intensive: Conducting a comprehensive survey requires significant resources, including time, labor, and cost, due to the large scale of data collection.
- Often Used for Official Statistics: Governments and large organizations often use comprehensive surveys to gather official data.
Comprehensive Survey vs. Sample Survey
Here's a simple comparison:
| Feature | Comprehensive Survey (Census) | Sample Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Entire population | A subset (sample) of the population |
| Accuracy | High (direct data from everyone) | Depends on sample quality (inference based) |
| Cost/Time | Very High | Relatively Lower |
| Data Detail | Detailed data on all population members | Data on sample members to represent the population |
| Use Case | Official counts, policy planning | Market research, opinion polls, academic studies |
Practical Examples
The most well-known example of a comprehensive survey is a national census, such as the U.S. Census Bureau's population count conducted every 10 years. Other examples might include:
- A company surveying every employee about a new policy.
- A school surveying every student about their transportation methods.
- A health department surveying every household in a specific geographic area about vaccination status.
When Are They Used?
Comprehensive surveys are typically conducted when:
- Exact figures for the entire population are required (e.g., total population size, housing units).
- Detailed data is needed for small geographic areas or specific subgroups where sampling might not be reliable.
- Legal or administrative requirements mandate the collection of data from everyone.
While powerful in the accuracy they provide, the logistical challenges and high cost mean they are used selectively compared to more frequent sample surveys. For instance, gathering data on demographic trends or economic indicators often relies on sampling due to its efficiency.
