Classification and Tabulation.

In any statistical investigation, the collection of the numerical data is the first and the most important matter to be attended. Often a person investigating will have to collect the data from the actual field of inquiry. For this he may issue suitable questionnaires to get necessary information or he may take actual interviews; personal interviews are more effective than questionnaires, which may not evoke an adequate response. Another method of collecting data may be available in publications of Government bodies or other public or private organizations. Sometimes the data may be available in publications of Government bodies or other public or private organizations. Such data, however, is often so numerous that one’s mind can hardly comprehend its significance in the form that it is shown. Therefore it becomes, very necessary to tabulate and summarize the data to an easily manageable form. In doing so we may overlook its details. But this is not a serious loss because Statistics is not interested in an individual but in the properties of aggregates. For a layman, presentation of the raw data in the form of tables or diagrams is always more effective.

Tabulation

It is the process of condensation of the data for convenience, in statistical processing, presentation and interpretation of the information.

A good table is one which has the following requirements:

It should present the data clearly, highlighting important details.

It should save space but attractively designed.

The table number and title of the table should be given. +

Row and column headings must explain the figures therein.

Averages or percentages should be close to the data.

Units of the measurement should be clearly stated along the titles or headings.

Abbreviations and symbols should be avoided as far as possible.

Sources of the data should be given at the bottom of the data.

In case irregularities creep in table or any feature is not sufficiently explained, references and foot notes must be given.

The rounding of figures should be unbiased.

Classification

"Classified and arranged facts speak of themselves, and narrated they are as dead as mutton" This quote is given by J.R. Hicks.

The process of dividing the data into different groups (viz. classes) which are homogeneous within but heterogeneous between them is called a classification.

It helps in understanding the salient features of the data and also the comparison with similar data. For a final analysis it is the best friend of a statistician.