Collection of Data — Economics STD 11 Commerce — Question

Sample method is the only method that can be used in certain situations. There are some cases in which the census method is inapplicable and the only practical method is sample method. For example, if one is interested in testing the breaking strength of chalks manufactured in a factory, under census method all the chalks would be broken in the process of testing. Hence, census method is impracticable and we have to adopt sample method. Similarly, if a consumer wants to find whether the paneer to be purchased by him is fresh or not, he resorts to sample method because census method would mean complete consumption of the entire quantity of the paneer available. Also, if the population under investigation is infinite, sample method is the only possible solution. Sample method is also necessary when the results are required in a short time, resources are limited and the area of the survey is wide.