The paper, one of a series written as the Management Information System for Occupational Education (MISOE) was conceptualized, examines relationships between the anticipated census and sample data to be developed and maintained by the system. Two related information sources are planned: one is a census information system which includes data about every occupational education program in every school in every city and town in Massachusetts, and the other is a sample information system by occupational programs, stratified over school-type, geographical setting-type, and student characteristic-type dimensions currently operative in the State. The types and purposes of the census and sample data to be collected and maintained are described. The descriptive data (input information, process information, product information, and impact information) and analytical data (cost accounting information, process product data, cost product information, product impact information, process impact data, and cost impact data) included in the sample data system are discussed at length, defining each type and showing how each data type is related to the census. (The author suggests that Monograph Number 1, which is available as ED 062 553, be read in conjunction with this paper.) (Author/MS)