DATA PRESENTATION
The objective of classification of data is to make the data simple, concise, meaningful and
interesting and helpful in further analysis.
There are 2 methods of presenting data:
1) Tabulatien
2) Diagrams
Tabulation :
Is the first step before the data is used for analysis or interpretation.
" In the process of tabulation the following type of classification are encountered.
1) Geographical i.e area wise
2) Chronological i.e on the basis of time
3) Qualitative i.e. according to attribute
4) Quantitative i.e. in terms of magnitude
Principles (in tabulation of data) :
1. Every table should contain a title, should be concise and meaningful.
2. The tables should be numbered
3.The heading of columns or rows should be clear and concise .eg: ht in cm, age in years , wt in
kg etc
4,The number of class intervals should be sufficient to condense the data bringing out their
significant features .
5. The class intervals should be at equal width
6. Uniform size class intervals are preferable
7. Sometimes open end class intervals are used
8. The class intervals should be clearly defined to avoid ambiguity .eg- 0-4,
5-9, 10-14 etc. 9.
Units measurements should be specified.
of
10. If the data is not original,the source of the data should be mentioned at the bottom of the
table.
11. Groups should be tabulated in ascendingor descending order.
12. If cetain data is omitted or excluded deliberately, the reason for same should be given. Ihe
class intervals should be same through out table except in case of age" 0-<1 (infant up to 1yr)" 1
4 (toddlers 1to 5yrs but not completed 5 yrs)" 5-14 (School children < 15yrs)
Presentation by Graphs and Diagrams:
Diagrams and graphs are extremely useful because
1. They are attractive to the eyes
2. Give abird's eye view of the entire data
3. Have a lasting impression on the mind of the layman
4. Facilitate comparison of data.
Basic rules in the construction of diagrams and graphs :
1. Every diagram must be given a title
2. It should be simple
3. The vertical axis is always labeledas the 'y' axis. It is also "ordinate".
4. The horizontal axis is always labeled as 'x' axis. It is also called "abscissa".
5. The x axis and y axis meet at right angles at a point called origin (o)
6.The values of variables are presented on the x axis and the
frequency on y axis
7. The number of lines drawn in any graph should not be many so that
the diagram does not look
clumpsy.
8. The scale of presentation for the x axis and y axis should be
mentioned at the right hand
corner of the graph
9. The scale of division of two axis should be proportional and the
division should be mark along
with the details of the variables and frequencies presented on the
axis.
Presentation of quantitative data is through graphs, the common graphs in use are:- 1.
Histogram
2. Frequency polygon
3. Frequency curve
4. Line graph
5. Scatter or dot diagram
Presentation of qualitative data is through diagrams, the common diagrams in use
are:
1. Bar diagram
2. Pie/sector diagram
3. Pictogram or picture diagram
4. Map diagram or spot map
Line diagram:
" This diagram is useful to study changes of values in the variable overtime.
