Census, sampling or observation? Which is best?

Reason For Learning

It's useful to know where data has come from. Has everyone been asked? Or just a few people? Are there times when asking everyone is not necessary? This learning bite is useful when constructing your own survey, but also when investigating the validity of others' (for example, checking if the sample surveyed was appropriate).

Learning Intention

Definitions of survey, census, sample and population, selecting appropriate survey samples

Key Vocabulary Terms

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ACMSP206 Level 8

Explore the practicalities and implications of obtaining representative data using a variety of investigative processes

ACMSP227 Level 9

Investigate reports of surveys in digital media and elsewhere for information on how data were obtained to estimate population means and medians

ACMSP253 Level 10

Evaluate statistical reports in the media and other places by linking claims to displays, statistics and representative data

ACMSP284 Level 8

Investigate techniques for collecting data, including census, sampling and observation

ACMSP293 Level 8

Explore the variation of means and proportions in representative data