• Business
  • Finance
  • Banking
  • Education
  • General
  • Law
  • Science
  • IT
  • English

Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Census and Sampling

census vs sampleCensus and sampling are two methods of collecting survey data about the population that are used by many countries. Census refers to the quantitative research method, in which all the members of the population are enumerated. On the other hand, the sampling is the widely used method, in statistical testing, wherein a data set is selected from the large population, which represents the entire group.

Census implies complete enumeration of the study objects, whereas Sampling connotes enumeration of the subgroup of elements chosen for participation. These two survey methods are often contrasted with each other, and so this article makes an attempt to clear the differences between census and sampling, in detail; Have a look.

Content: Census Vs Sampling

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonCensusSampling
MeaningA systematic method that collects and records the data about the members of the population is called Census.Sampling refers to a portion of the population selected to represent the entire group, in all its characteristics.
EnumerationCompletePartial
Study ofEach and every unit of the population.Only a handful of units of the population.
Time requiredIt is a time consuming process.It is a fast process.
CostExpensive methodEconomical method
ResultsReliable and accurateLess reliable and accurate, due to the margin of error in the data collected.
ErrorNot present.Depends on the size of the population
Appropriate forPopulation of heterogeneous nature.Population of homogeneous nature.

Definition of Census

A well-organised procedure of gathering, recording and analysing information regarding the members of the population is called a census. It is an official and complete count of the universe, wherein each and every unit of the universe is included in the collection of data. Here universe implies any region (city or country), a group of people, through which the data can be acquired.

Under this technique, the enumeration is conducted about the population by considering the entire population. Hence this method requires huge finance, time and labour for gathering information. This method is useful, to find out the ratio of male to female, the ratio of literate to illiterate people, the ratio of people living in urban areas to the people in rural areas.

Definition of Sampling

We define sampling as the process in which the fraction of the population, so selected to represent the characteristics of the larger group. This method is used for statistical testing, where it is not possible to consider all members or observations, as the population size is very large.

As statistical inferences are based on the sampling observations, the selection of the appropriate representative sample is of utmost importance. So, the sample selected should indicate the entire universe and not exhibit a particular section. On the basis of the data collected from the representative samples, the conclusion is drawn from the whole population. For instance: A company places an order for raw material by simply checking out the sample.

The units which constitute sample is considered as ‘Sampling Units’. The full-fledged list containing all sampling units is called ‘Sampling Frame’.

Key Differences Between Census and Sampling

The paramount differences between census and sampling are discussed in detail in the given below points:

  1. The census is a systematic method that collects and records the data about the members of the population. The sampling is defined as the subset of the population selected to represent the entire group, in all its characteristics.
  2. The census is alternately known as a complete enumeration survey method. In contrast, sampling is also known as a partial enumeration survey method.
  3. In the census, each and every unit of population is researched. On the contrary, only a handful of items is selected from the population for research.
  4. Census, is a very time-consuming method of survey, whereas, in the case of sampling, the survey does not take much time.
  5. The census method requires high capital investment as it involves the research and collection of all the values of the population. Unlike sampling which is a comparatively economical method.
  6. The results drawn by conducting a census is accurate and reliable while there are chances of errors in the results drawn from the sample.
  7. The size of the sample determines the probability of errors in the outcome, i.e. the larger the size of population the less are the chances of errors and the smaller the size; the higher are the chances of errors. This is not possible with census as all the items are taken into consideration.
  8. Census is best suited for the population of heterogeneous nature. As opposed to sampling which is appropriate for homogeneous nature.

Conclusion

Many people interpret census as the opposite of sampling, in which all the members of the population are taken into account instead of only a fraction. But the census is based on the sampling frame to enumerate population. Therefore, it is quite clear that these two quantitative research methodologies are different, but it can’t be said that one is above the other.

You Might Also Like:

sampling-vs-non-sampling-errorDifference Between Sampling and Non-Sampling Error probability sampling vs non-probability samplingDifference Between Probability and Non-Probability Sampling stratified vs cluster samplingDifference Between Stratified and Cluster Sampling population vs sampleDifference Between Population and Sample survey vs questionnaireDifference Between Survey and Questionnaire surveyDifference Between Survey and Experiment

Comments

  1. sam k says

    March 2, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    its clearly understood

    Reply
  2. Tiana says

    April 12, 2018 at 1:18 am

    Can you compare census-based results and sample-based results? i.e. baseline study included all the subjects in the sample, but due to cost restrictions the follow-up study can only be done in a sample?

    Reply
  3. Ashmit Gupta says

    December 26, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    Nice

    Reply
  4. BILAL AHMAD says

    September 12, 2021 at 10:12 am

    Absolutely simple but diligent work

    Reply
  5. Tatijana Taonga Mapara says

    September 14, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    Clearly understood.
    Thanks

    Reply
  6. mohit says

    December 29, 2021 at 11:50 am

    thanks a lot

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top 5 Differences

  • Difference Between PERT and CPM
  • Difference Between Micro and Macro Economics
  • Difference Between Developed Countries and Developing Countries
  • Difference Between Management and Administration
  • Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research



New Additions

  • Difference Between Deforestation, Reforestation and Afforestation
  • Difference Between Race and Ethnicity
  • Difference Between Customer Service and Customer Experience
  • Difference Between Human Capital and Human Development
  • Difference Between Systems Approach and Contingency Approach
  • Difference Between Industrial Relations and Employee Relations
  • Difference Between Introduction and Executive Summary
  • Difference Between Programmed and Non-programmed Decisions
  • Difference Between Depreciation and Devaluation of Currency
  • Difference Between Consumer Market and Business Market

Categories

  • Banking
  • Business
  • Education
  • English
  • Finance
  • General
  • IT
  • Law
  • Science
fb-follow youtube follow

Copyright © 2025 · Key Differences · Contact Us · About Us · Privacy