Difference between census and sample

Posted By: Sm Adminon: November 10, 2015In: Miscellaneous

Census:
Census is the periodic collection of information from the entire population. It is a time consuming process. The data which has been collected from the census is reliable as well as accurate. A census allows the government to collect all the necessary information. The researcher could gain the accurate information.
Sample:
Sampling is the study of the few selected items rather than a large units. The small selection is called sample. The sample has been classified into various types such as: simple random sampling, stratified sampling and sequential sampling. It is not time consuming. Sample is the most convenient method to collect the data about the population.
Differences:

Basis	Census	Sample
Definition (www.oxforddictionaries.com)	An official count or survey, especially of a population.	A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
Objectives/Purpose	The objectives of the census are: It provides the detailed data and information about the whole population. It provides a database on which are built population projections and workforce projections. It provides a database needed to study specific and social phenomena. To provide necessary frameworks for deriving samples for field research to be undertaken in the future.	The objectives of sample are: To obtain the optimum results i.e. the maximum information about the characteristics of the population with the available sources at our disposal in terms of the time, money and manpower studying the sample values only. To obtain the best possible estimates of the population parameters.
Synonyms	Poll, enumeration, demography, statistics and demographics	Inspect, examine, sip, savor and test
Types	Its types are: De facto population census De jure population census	The types of sampling are: simple random sampling stratified random sampling multi stage sampling
Word origin	The word census was originated in the early 17th century from Latin.	The word sample was originated from Middle English, from Anglo Norman French variant of the Old French essample ‘example’.
Reliability	Data from the census is reliable and accurate.	There is the margin of error in data obtained from sampling.
Time	Census is very time consuming.	Sampling is quick.
Convenience	Census is not very convenient as the researcher has to allocate a lot of effort in collecting data.	Sampling is the most convenient method of obtaining data about the population.
Pronunciation	Eng (UK): /ˈsɛnsəs / Eng (US): /ˈsɑːmp(ə)l/	Eng (UK): /ˈsɛnsəs / Eng (US): /ˈsɑːmp(ə)l /
Cost	Census is very expensive.	Sampling is inexpensive.
Advantages/Benefits	Its advantages are: It helps the government plan for the future. It keeps the government more organized It shows the government the population status of the country Keeps the details of all the people with the country	Its advantages are: reduce cost greater speed detailed information practical method much easier
Disadvantages	Its disadvantages are: People may feel uncomfortable revealing their personal details It is time consuming; very expensive to conduct limited in the data collected, doesn’t get in depth data.	Its disadvantages are: Sampling selection is difficult. Experts are required for careful study of the universe. If the information is required for the each and every unit in the study then it is difficult to interview each and every person in sampling method.
Example in Sentence	According to the census of 1901, the population was 1, 85,696. The census is conducted every ten years in United States.	This research is based on the interviews of the random sample of over 300 teenagers. A sample has been selected very carefully.