What is the purpose of a sample survey?

The purpose of a sample survey centers on gathering data from a sample drawn from a larger population. This method is designed to understand trends, characteristics, or opinions of the whole population by asking questions to only a subset, or sample, which is ideally representative of that population. This approach allows researchers to make inferences about the broader group without needing to collect information from every individual, which can be costly and time-consuming.

When executed properly, the sampling process should ideally involve randomness to avoid bias and ensure that the sample accurately reflects the diversity and characteristics of the entire population. This makes it a vital tool in fields such as social science, marketing, and public health, where understanding the views and behaviors of large groups is crucial for analysis and decision-making.