Sample
Topic: Economic Data: Census, NSS, Surveys and Statistical Tools · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Collection of Data"; Class 11, Ch 8 "Use of Statistical Tools"
Meaning
A sample is the part of the population from which information is actually collected. The population is every unit being studied. Most surveys study a sample because it is cheaper and quicker. It also allows a more detailed enquiry with a smaller team that is easier to train. The results are then applied to the whole population.
Example
A study covers agricultural labourers in Churachandpur district, Manipur. All the labourers in the district make up the population. The 10% of them who are actually interviewed make up the sample.
Don't confuse with
- Census: a census collects data from every unit, such as India's decennial population census. It has no sampling error, but it costs far more.
- Population: this is the whole group the study is about. The sample is only the part of it that is studied.
Related concepts
- Census
- Sample survey
- Population
- Representative sample
- Population parameter
- Random sampling
- Non-random sampling
- Sampling frame
- Lottery method
- Random number table