Tabulation of Data
Meaning By tabulation we mean, a systematic presentation of numerical data in column and rows in accordance with some salient features or characteristics. It facilitates comparisons . It also facilitates analysis. Definition According to Secrist, Classification is the process of arranging data into sequences and group according to their common characteristics or separating them into different but related parts. In the words of Prof.Neiswanger, A statistical table is a systematic organization of data in columns and rows. •
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Tabul ation i s the process of presenti ng data in tables.
Objectives of Tabulation The main objectives of tabulation are: 1.To clarify the object of investigation. 2.To simplify complex data. 3.To clarify the characteristics of data . 4.To present facts in the minimum of space. 5.To facilitate comparison. 6. To detect errors and omission in the data. 7. To depict trend and tendencies of the problem under consideration. 8.To help reference.
Distinction Between Classification and Tabulation Classification and tabulation are important processes in statistical investigation. Through these processes, the collected data are summarized and put in a systematic order . 1. Both classification and tabulation are important for statistical investigation. First the data are classified, then they are presented in tables , classification is the basis for tabulation. 2. Tabulation is a mechanical function of classification , because in tabulation the classified data are placed in columns and rows. 3. Classification is a process of statistical analysis , tabulation is a process of presenting data in suitable structure.
Structure of a Table Number Title (Head Note If any) Stub Heading
Caption Heading Col.Heading Col . Heading
Stub Entries BODY
Total
Col. Heading
Total
Parts of Tabulation A good statistical table is an art. The following parts must be present in all tables. 1.Table Number 2.Title 3.H ead Note 4.Caption 5.Stubs 6.Body of the Table 7.F oot- Note 8.Sour ce Note
1. Table Number- A table should always be numbered for identification and reference in the future. Each column should also be numbered as shown in the illustration. 2. Title of the table- Each table should be given a suitable title. It must be written on the top of table. It must describe the contents of the table. It must explain What the data are Where the data are Time or period of data How the data are classified etc. •
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3.Head Note- It is a statement , given below the title and enclosed in brackets, for example the unit of measurement is written as ahead note , such as in millions or in crores. 4.Captions – These are headings for the vertical columns. They have main heading and sub-headings and must be written in small letters. 5.Stubs- These are the headings or designation for the horizontal rows. Stubs are wider than columns. 6.Body of the table- It contains the numerical information. It is the most important part of the table. The arrangement in the body is generally from left to right in rows and from top to bottom in columns.
explanation or elaboration 7.Foot- Note- If any regarding any item is necessary , foot notes should be given. 8.Source-note – It refers to the source from where information has been taken. It is useful to the reader to check the figures and gather additional information.
General Rules for Tabulation
1.The table should be simple and compact . It should not be overloaded with details. 2.The capti ons and stubs in the tables should be arranged in a systematic manner . It must be easy to read the important items. There are many types. They are alphabetical ,chr onologi cal, geogr aphi cal , •
conventi onal etc. 3.It should sui t the purpose of the i nvestigation . 4.The uni t of measur ements shoul d be clearly def ined and given in the tables, for example, height , in metr es , weight in kil ogr ams etc. 5.Figures may be r ounded off to avoi d unnecessar y detai ls on the table. But a foot note must be given to this eff ect. 6.Suitable appr oxi mation may be adopted.
7. A mi scell aneous column shoul d be added to include un impor tant i tems.
8. A table shoul d be complete and self expl anatory. 9. A table should be attr acti ve to draw the attenti on of readers.
10. As it forms a basis f or stati sti cal anal ysi s, it shoul d be accur ate and f r ee f r om all sor ts of er r or s.
11. Abbr eviations should be avoided. 12.Do not use ditto mar ks that may be mistaken. 13.Proper lettering wil l help to adjust the size of the table. 14.If it is a big table, i t wil l l ose its simplicity and under standability and i n such a case break it into two or thr ee tabl es.
Types of Tables Statistical tables can be classified into a number of ways There are many categories depending upon : 1.The basis of coverage which can be further classified into simple table and complex table. A complex table can be classif ied into twofold , thr eef old or manif old table.
2.The basis of objective or purpose. This can be fur ther classif ied i nto general pur pose table or r ef er ence, table and special pur pose table or summary table.
3.The basis of nature of enquiry, which can further be classif ied into or igin al or pri mary table and der ived or der ived tabl e.
1.On the basis of coverage Simple and Complex- In a simple table the data are classified accor ding to onl y one character isti c. I t i s ter med as one way or single table and it takes form of frequency table. In a complex table two or more character isti cs are shown. I t is more popular, because consi der ation of all r elated f acts.
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Simple Table – The data are classified according to only one characteristics. Two – way Table – I f the caption or stub is classif ied in to two character istics and if it gives information of two interrelated questions, then such a table is called two-way table.
Three – way table- In this type of table three characteristics are shown and I t gives inf or mation r egar ding thr ee inter r elated phenomenon ; f or example.
character istics of
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A large number of interrelated problems or characteristics are represented in the same table; for example, the distribution of students in a college according to faculty , class sex and residence; for example
2.On the Basis of Originality ( Purpose) General purpose table •
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It is also known as informative table and provides information for general use; and usually in chronological order. The detailed table in the census reports are of this kind. Govt. agencies prepare this type of tables. These are used by research workers and statisticians. These are placed in the appendix of a report for reference.
Special Purpose table – It is also called a summary table or text table or analytical table or derivative table. It presents the data relating to a particular or a special purpose. Ratios , Percentages etc are used to facilitate comparison. 3.On the Basis of Originality- The statistical table may be classified into (1) Pr i mary Tabl e (2) Der ived Table In Pr i mar y table (original) the statistical forms are expressed in original. It contains actual and absolute figures. I n a Der ived table, figures and results are derived from the primary data. It presents totals , percentages ,ratios , averages , dispersion , coefficient of correlation etc. Both primary and derived tables are generally used in practice.
