The Role of Statistics and Sampling in Survey Research

Abstract

This work titled, “The Role of Statistics and Sampling in Survey Research,” critically examines the place of statistics and sampling in survey research. The data collection was done through secondary sources. Our main objective was to interrogate the vital role played by the two concepts of statistics and sampling in survey research. Thomas Hobbes rightly asserted that lack of knowledge made the life of man “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”. It is knowledge that makes the life of man in society worth living and statistics and sampling are two of the most important tools used by man to generate information necessary for him to make and implement rational decisions. Programmes and actions hinged on the outcome of statistical and carefully sampled survey research usually deliver predictable outcomes. This paper looks into the ways statistics and sampling in survey research can be utilized as tools of enquiry and information gathering.