1. Why it is necessary to summarise data?

Explain the approaches available to summarize the data

distributions?

Answer.

Graphical representation is a good way to represent summarised data. However, graphs

provide us only an overview and thus may not be used for further analysis. Hence, we use
summary statistics like computing averages. to analyse the data. Mass data, which is
collected, classified, tabulated and presented systematically, is analysed further to bring its
size to a single representative figure. This single figure is the measure which can be found at
central part of the range of all values. It is the one which represents the entire data set.
Hence, this is called the measure of central tendency.
In other words, the tendency of data to cluster around a figure which is in central location is
known as central tendency. Measure of central tendency or average of first order describes
the concentration of large numbers around a particular value. It is a single value which
represents all units.
Statistical Averages: The commonly used statistical averages are arithmetic mean, geometric
mean, harmonic mean.

Arithmetic mean is defined as the sum of all values divided by number of values and is
represented by X.
Before we study how to compute arithmetic mean, we have to be familiar with the terms such
as discrete data, frequency and frequency distribution, which are used in this unit.
If the number of values is finite, then the data is said to be discrete data. The number of
occurrences of each value of the data set is called frequency of that value. A systematic
presentation of the values taken by variable together with corresponding frequencies is called
a frequency distribution of the variable.
Median: Median of a set of values is the value which is the middle most value when they are
arranged in the ascending order of magnitude. Median is denoted by ‘M’.

Mode: Mode is the value which has the highest frequency and is denoted by Z.
Modal value is most useful for business people. For example, shoe and readymade garment
manufacturers will like to know the modal size of the people to plan their operations. For
discrete data with or withoutfrequency, it is that value corresponding to highest frequency.
Appropriate Situations for the use of Various Averages
1. Arithmetic mean is used when:
a. In depth study of the variable is needed
b. The variable is continuous and additive in nature
c. The data are in the interval or ratio scale
d. When the distribution is symmetrical
2. Median is used when:
a. The variable is discrete
b. There exists abnormal values
c. The distribution is skewed
d. The extreme values are missing
e. The characteristics studied are qualitative
f. The data are on the ordinal scale
3. Mode is used when:
a. The variable is discrete
b. There exists abnormal values
c. The distribution is skewed
d. The extreme values are missing
e. The characteristics studied are qualitative
4. Geometric mean is used when:
a. The rate of growth, ratios and percentages are to be studied
b. The variable is of multiplicative nature
5. Harmonic mean is used when:
a. The study is related to speed, time
b. Average of rates which produce equal effects has to be found
4.9 Positional Averages
Median is the mid-value of series of data. It divides the distribution into two equal portions.
Similarly, we can divide a given distribution into four, ten or hundred or any other number of
equal portions.

2. Explain the purpose of tabular presentation of statistical data. Draft a form of tabulation to show the
distribution of population according to i) Community by age, ii) Literacy , iii) sex , and iv) marital
status.

Answer:

The objectives of tabulation are to:

i. Simplify complex data

ii. Highlight important characteristics
iii. Present data in minimum space
iv. Facilitate comparison
v. Bring out trends and tendencies
vi. Facilitate further analysis

Marital Status Sex Educated Non-Educated

Age: 20-40 Above 40 Below 20yrs 20-40 Above 40

Below 20yrs
Male
Married
Female
Male
Unmarried
Female