Statistics refers to scientific and systematic methods of collecting, recording, summarizing, analyzing and representation of numerical data in a precise manner. (Oxford Form Five, page number 280). OR is a body of mathematical processes or techniques concerned with careful collection, organization, summarizing, analysis and drawing of valid conclusions from data. (Oxford, Form Three. Page number 287).
Data are facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis. (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 2010, page no 370).
Statistical data refers to numerical description of thing. These descriptions may take the form of counts or measurements. OR are facts or figures collected systematically and arranged for a certain purpose or body of information which is usually treated in numerical values.
The types of statistical data are categorized into two categories, which are according to scale of measurement and according to their varied sources. The following are the types of statistical data according to scale of measurements:-
Nominal data, this is the type of data according to scale of measurement of which the values are given according to the name of items in a given sample. Example 10 apples, 5 oranges, 7 mangoes, 5 banana, 2 cherish.
Ordinal data, this is the type of data according to scale of measurement which involve ranking, hence it is also qualitative. The data involve rank orders or position among events or objects. For example Ally scored 45% in Geography paper while his friend Leonard scored 60%, thus Ally was number two and Leonard was number one.
Interval data, this is the type of data according to scale of measurement in which values are given in range at regular distance by being grouped.
Ratio data is the type of data according to the scale of measurement in which data are used to make comparisons between values or quantities. For example Bonaventure got 25 sacks of rice which is twice what his wife obtained from the same acre age.
Apart from types of data according to scale of measurement, the following are the types of data according to their varied sources:-
Primary data, these are numerical facts collected from the field or handled for the first time. That is to say they are first hand or original information. The data are not available in existing sources like books. Primary statistical data are handled by the techniques of interview, the use questionnaires, observation, counting, measurements and other methods. (T I E, Book Three. Page number 125).
Secondary data, these are numerical facts derived from the stored sources. The data were compiled by other people who carried out research. The sources of this type of data include; text, books, reference books, magazines, maps, video tapes, audio tapes, and other sources which deriver the same. (T I E, Book Three. Page number 125).
The following are the characteristics of statistical data:-
They must be in aggregates, Single, isolated or unrelated figures are not statistics, because they are not comparable. These figures tell nothing about any problem. For example the age of a student or the price of a commodity is not statistics. Because they are just abstract numbers. But when we consider age of a group of students, or the prices of a basket of commodities it is statistics as they comparable. Statistics must be expressed as aggregate of facts relating to any particular enquiry. Thus ‘not a datum’ but the data represent statistics.
Numerically expressed, Statistics are quantitative phenomena. Mostly, statistical techniques deal with quantitative factors than with qualitative aspect. So statistics should be always numerically expressed. For example, ‘there are 30 districts in Mwanza’, is a numerical statement. But the standard of living of the people of Mwanza have improved over the years’ is not a numerical statement. Here the first statement is statistical where as the second is not. So the subjective statements relating to qualitative information like honesty, beauties are not statistics. Only statements which can be expressed numerically are statistics.
Enumerated accurately, statistics must be enumerated or estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy. This means that if aggregates of numerical facts are to be called statistics they must be reasonably accurate. This is necessary because statistical data are to serve as a basis for statistical investigations. If the basis happens to be incorrect the results are bound to be misleading.
Collected in a systematic manner, numerical data can be called statistics only if they have been compiled in a properly planned manner. Facts collected in an unsystematic manner, will be confusing and cannot be made the basis of valid conclusions.
Collected for a predetermined purpose, Statistics relating to an enquiry are always collected with a predetermined purpose. So it is essential to define clearly the purpose or the objective of the enquiry before actually collecting data. This ensures the inclusion of all essential information and the exclusion of all irrelevant and confusing data. This will make the analysis specific and result oriented.
Placed in relation to each other, that means that numerical facts may be placed in relation to each other either in point of time, space or condition. The phrase, ‘placed to each other’ suggests that the facts should be comparable.
Conclusively I can say that statistical data are very important in whole process of statistics since the statistical data provide the basis or foundation of statistics, through interview, questionnaires, measurements and other methods alike.
REFERENCES
Joanna Turnbull (2010) 8th Edition: Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Oxford University Press. United Kingdom.
Mzezele, S. & Kibuuka, P. (2012): Geography in Focus Form 3. Oxford University Press (T) Ltd, Dar es Salaam.
Mzezele, S. & Kibuuka, P. (2012): Geography in Focus. Oxford University Press (T) Ltd, Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania Institute of Education (2004)2nd Edition: Geography Course Book for Secondary Schools, Book Three. Dar es Salaam.
Data are facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis. (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 2010, page no 370).
Statistical data refers to numerical description of thing. These descriptions may take the form of counts or measurements. OR are facts or figures collected systematically and arranged for a certain purpose or body of information which is usually treated in numerical values.
The types of statistical data are categorized into two categories, which are according to scale of measurement and according to their varied sources. The following are the types of statistical data according to scale of measurements:-
Nominal data, this is the type of data according to scale of measurement of which the values are given according to the name of items in a given sample. Example 10 apples, 5 oranges, 7 mangoes, 5 banana, 2 cherish.
Ordinal data, this is the type of data according to scale of measurement which involve ranking, hence it is also qualitative. The data involve rank orders or position among events or objects. For example Ally scored 45% in Geography paper while his friend Leonard scored 60%, thus Ally was number two and Leonard was number one.
Interval data, this is the type of data according to scale of measurement in which values are given in range at regular distance by being grouped.
Ratio data is the type of data according to the scale of measurement in which data are used to make comparisons between values or quantities. For example Bonaventure got 25 sacks of rice which is twice what his wife obtained from the same acre age.
Apart from types of data according to scale of measurement, the following are the types of data according to their varied sources:-
Primary data, these are numerical facts collected from the field or handled for the first time. That is to say they are first hand or original information. The data are not available in existing sources like books. Primary statistical data are handled by the techniques of interview, the use questionnaires, observation, counting, measurements and other methods. (T I E, Book Three. Page number 125).
Secondary data, these are numerical facts derived from the stored sources. The data were compiled by other people who carried out research. The sources of this type of data include; text, books, reference books, magazines, maps, video tapes, audio tapes, and other sources which deriver the same. (T I E, Book Three. Page number 125).
The following are the characteristics of statistical data:-
They must be in aggregates, Single, isolated or unrelated figures are not statistics, because they are not comparable. These figures tell nothing about any problem. For example the age of a student or the price of a commodity is not statistics. Because they are just abstract numbers. But when we consider age of a group of students, or the prices of a basket of commodities it is statistics as they comparable. Statistics must be expressed as aggregate of facts relating to any particular enquiry. Thus ‘not a datum’ but the data represent statistics.
Numerically expressed, Statistics are quantitative phenomena. Mostly, statistical techniques deal with quantitative factors than with qualitative aspect. So statistics should be always numerically expressed. For example, ‘there are 30 districts in Mwanza’, is a numerical statement. But the standard of living of the people of Mwanza have improved over the years’ is not a numerical statement. Here the first statement is statistical where as the second is not. So the subjective statements relating to qualitative information like honesty, beauties are not statistics. Only statements which can be expressed numerically are statistics.
Enumerated accurately, statistics must be enumerated or estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy. This means that if aggregates of numerical facts are to be called statistics they must be reasonably accurate. This is necessary because statistical data are to serve as a basis for statistical investigations. If the basis happens to be incorrect the results are bound to be misleading.
Collected in a systematic manner, numerical data can be called statistics only if they have been compiled in a properly planned manner. Facts collected in an unsystematic manner, will be confusing and cannot be made the basis of valid conclusions.
Collected for a predetermined purpose, Statistics relating to an enquiry are always collected with a predetermined purpose. So it is essential to define clearly the purpose or the objective of the enquiry before actually collecting data. This ensures the inclusion of all essential information and the exclusion of all irrelevant and confusing data. This will make the analysis specific and result oriented.
Placed in relation to each other, that means that numerical facts may be placed in relation to each other either in point of time, space or condition. The phrase, ‘placed to each other’ suggests that the facts should be comparable.
Conclusively I can say that statistical data are very important in whole process of statistics since the statistical data provide the basis or foundation of statistics, through interview, questionnaires, measurements and other methods alike.
REFERENCES
Joanna Turnbull (2010) 8th Edition: Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Oxford University Press. United Kingdom.
Mzezele, S. & Kibuuka, P. (2012): Geography in Focus Form 3. Oxford University Press (T) Ltd, Dar es Salaam.
Mzezele, S. & Kibuuka, P. (2012): Geography in Focus. Oxford University Press (T) Ltd, Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania Institute of Education (2004)2nd Edition: Geography Course Book for Secondary Schools, Book Three. Dar es Salaam.
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