What is the term for data obtained from the entire population called?

The term for data obtained from the entire population is a census. A census aims to gather information from every member of the population, which allows for comprehensive insights and eliminates sampling error. Conducting a census is crucial when seeking exact or complete data about a population, as it ensures that every individual or unit is included, thereby providing a complete picture of the characteristics being studied. This approach contrasts with a sample, which only includes a subset of the population and may not represent the entire group accurately.

In terms of context, while a survey can collect data from either a sample or a population, it doesn’t specifically indicate that the entire population is covered unless it's explicitly a census. A population parameter refers to a numerical characteristic of a population, such as a mean or proportion, and again does not directly refer to data collection methods. Thus, the best designation for data retrieved from the entire population is indeed a census.