Glossary >> Glossary of statistical terms Statistical (or sample) survey  Is used to collect direct quantitative and qualitative information on population subsets. In contrast to a census, where all members of the population are surveyed, a statistical or sample survey collects data from a fraction of the population under study, with the objective of drawing inferences on the entire population. In this respect, sample surveys are cost-effective means of collecting information in situations where complete enumeration is impracticable or data from administrative sources are not available. 174 Human Rights Indicators