Contextualization

Census and Sample Survey: What is it?

The census and sample survey are two distinct approaches used to collect information about a specific group or population. The census survey involves collecting data from all individuals in the group or population under study. On the other hand, the sample survey consists of collecting data from a representative sample of the group or population under study.

The concepts of census and sample surveys are directly related to statistics, a branch of mathematics that focuses on collecting, organizing, and interpreting data. In the case of a census survey, all individuals are considered, giving us a complete view of the group or population. While in the sample survey, a portion of these individuals is considered, and it is crucial that this sample is representative of the total population.

Importance of Census and Sample Surveys

Census and sample surveys are extremely important for various areas, from the government to private companies. Data collection and analysis are essential strategies for making informed decisions and effective planning.

For example, the government uses census surveys to collect data about the population in order to plan and implement effective public policies. Companies use sample surveys to understand consumer behavior, make marketing decisions, etc.

Census and sample surveys are everywhere, in weather forecasting, opinion polls, health statistics, customer satisfaction surveys, among others.

Activity

Activity Title: "Our Mini School Census"

Project Objective:

To conduct a census and sample survey within the school environment, allowing students to understand the principles and practical applications of census and sample surveys, developing technical and socio-emotional skills such as collaboration, effective communication, time management, and proactivity.

Detailed Project Description:

The groups should first plan and conduct a census survey, collecting information about a specific group of individuals in the school. Then, the group should conduct a sample survey, randomly selecting a sample from the group studied in the census survey.

The research theme is free, but it must be relevant and applicable to the school reality. Some examples of topics that can be addressed are: nutritional health, physical activity, interest in certain subjects, use of technology, etc.

The results of the surveys conducted should be analyzed and interpreted, and the data communicated through a written report, tables, and graphs, supported by spreadsheets.

Required Materials:

• Notepad or notebook for notes.
• Computer with Internet access and spreadsheet software.
• Writing materials, such as pens and markers.
• Printed questionnaires for data collection.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Group Formation: Students should divide into groups of 3 to 5 students.

2. Theme Selection: Each group should choose a theme for their research.

3. Questionnaire Development: Develop a questionnaire to be used in data collection for your research.

4. Conducting Surveys: Start by collecting all the data (census survey) and then select a representative sample (sample survey).

5. Data Analysis: The collected data should be compiled and analyzed using a spreadsheet program. Groups should express the collected data in percentage terms (for example, 60% of students engage in regular physical activity).

6. Report Preparation: Each group should prepare a report containing the results and conclusions of their research. The report should be structured in four parts: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

Project Deliverables:

• Questionnaire used for data collection.
• Database built from the census and sample surveys.
• Written report, containing:
  1. Introduction: Contextualization of the theme, its relevance and real-world application as well as the project's objective.
  2. Development: Clarification of the theory behind the project's central theme, detailed explanation of the activity, indication of the methodology used, and presentation and discussion of the results obtained.
  3. Conclusion: Recap of the main points, explanation of the learnings obtained, and conclusions drawn about the project.
  4. Bibliography: Indication of the sources they relied on to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.
• Oral presentation of the project to the class, where each group will present the results of their research and the conclusions drawn from it.

It is important that students are able to explain, in their report and presentation, the reasons why they chose to conduct a census and a sample survey, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and why the selected sample is representative.