Sampling (Research Methods of Sociology) - Assignment Example

Research Methods of Sociology Why is it so difficult to get an accurate count of the population? There are a number of reasons it is difficult to get an accurate account of the population. One reason is that individuals have become increasingly mobile. Additionally, people have demonstrated a shift away from single family households. 2) Why are the sources and characteristics of undercount important to understand? The sources and characteristics of undercount are important to understand. In this way if a specific demographic group is undercounted it could impact the allocation of federal funds or social welfare programs.

This is significant as oftentimes the groups that are undercounted are in lower income brackets where the allocation of these funds is most significant. This is also significant as political districts are determined by sampling measures. If specific groups of people are undercounted it could lead to shifting districts which would subsequently impact the electoral process; for this reason politicians have many times derided the sampling process. 3) Why is the way in which the Census Bureau attempts to measure the population controversial?

The way in which the census bureau attempts to measure the population is controversial because a number of individuals question the validity of the process. In this way the census does not physically count every individual, but instead implements estimation techniques based on a given section of the physically tested population. Additionally it is potentially controversial as it may be changing the method may improve the accuracy; this improved accuracy would subsequently result in changes of political districts.

ReferencesHorner, Peter. "ORMS Today." orms-today. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct 2012. .