The census method means collecting data from every single unit in a population, rather than from a sample. It is also called complete enumeration or a 100% survey.

Simple meaning

In this method, no item is left out. For example, if a school wants feedback from all students, it asks every student instead of only a selected group.

Where it is used

  • Population counts.
  • Housing surveys.
  • Large official studies like national censuses.
  • Situations where high accuracy is needed.

Main idea

The census method is useful when the population is small, the study needs detailed results, or the data must be very reliable.

Example

If a company wants to know the color of every car it sold in a city, it checks all cars sold instead of a few. That is the census method.

Difference from sampling

A sample studies only part of the population, while a census studies the whole population. Census gives fuller coverage, but it usually takes more time and cost.

TL;DR: Census method = collecting data from the entire population , not just a sample.