On the interpretation of censuses as samples
成果类型：
Article
署名作者：
Deming, WE; Stephan, FF
刊物名称：
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN STATISTICAL ASSOCIATION
ISSN/ISSBN：
0162-1459
DOI：
10.2307/2278811
发表日期：
1941
页码：
45-49
关键词：
摘要：
By historical precedence, and by law, one of the primary functions of the census is to provide a count or inventory of the population as it actually existed on a specified census date. For such purposes the census must be complete. As a basis for scientific generalizations and decisions for action, a census is only a sample. It gives data of the past, and inferences are drawn on the future. A well drawn sample will give the greatest amt. of information for the money expended. The size and type of sample to be taken depend upon the frequency of the attribute to be sampled and the previous information available. A sampling method is satisfactory for questions under consideration if it can be depended on to yield samples that will lead to the same action that would have been taken on the basis of a complete count. Any unusual situation must be considered in drawing conclusions. A sample may be preferable to a census due to shorter processing time.