Classification of Data
LECTURE SERIES BY Dr. MANDEEP SINGH
Meaning of Classification of Data
1. It is the process of arranging data into
homogeneous (similar) groups according to their
common characteristics.
2. Raw data cannot be easily understood, and it is
not fit for further analysis and interpretation.
Arrangement of data helps users in comparison
and analysis.
3. For example, the population of a town can be
grouped according to sex, age, marital status,
etc.
Objectives
1. Explain similarities and differences of data
2. Simplify and condense data’s mass
3. Facilitate comparisons
4. Study the relationship
5. Prepare data for tabular presentation
6. Present a mental picture of the data
Characteristics
Clarity: Classification of the raw data is beneficial for an
investigator only when it provides a clear and simple form of
information.
Comprehensiveness: There should be comprehensiveness in
the classification of the raw data so that each of its items
gets a place in some class. In other words, a classification is
good if no item is left out of the classes.
Homogeneity: Each and every item of a class must be
similar to each other. Homogeneity in the different items of
a class ensures the best results and further investigations.
Stability: Stability in the same set of classification of data for
a specific kind of investigation is essential, as it does not
confuse the investigator. Therefore, the base of classification
of data should not change with every investigation.
CLASSIFICATION OF DATA
Classification of Data
Geographical Chronological Qualitative Quantitative
Simple Manifold
Geographical Classification
The classification of data on the basis of geographical location
or region is known as Geographical o rSpatial Classification. For
example, presenting the population of different states of a
country is done on the basis of geographical location or region.
State Population
Goa 31 LAKHS
Bihar 2.4 Cr
UP 6.8 Cr
Haryana 1.3 Cr
Chronological Classification
The classification of data with respect to different time periods is
known as Chronological or Temporal Classification. For example,
the number of students in a school in different years can be
presented on the basis of a time period
Year No.of Students
2001 25
2002 37
2003 63
2004 69
Quantitative Classification
The classification of data on the basis of the
characteristics, such as age, height, weight, income,
etc., thatcan be measured in quantity is known as
Quantitative Classification. For example, the weight of
students in a class can be classified as quantitative
classification.
Weight No.of Students
20-25 15
25-30 12
30-5 20
Qualitative Classification
The classification of data on the basis of descriptive or
qualitative characteristics like region, caste, sex, gender,
education, etc., is known as Qualitative Classification. A
qualitative classification cannot be quantified and can be of
two types; viz., Simple Classification and Manifold
Classification.
Qualitative classification
Simple Manifold
Simple Classification
When based on only one attribute, the given data is classified
into two classes, which is known as Simple Classification. For
example, when the population is divided into literate and
illiterate, it is a simple classification.
Populatio
n
Literate illiterate
Manifold Classification
When based on more than one attribute, the given data
is classified into different classes, and then sub-divided
into more sub-classes, which is known as Manifold
Classification. For example, when the population is
divided into literate and illiterate, then sub-divided into
male and female, and further sub-divided into married
and unmarried, it is a manifold classification.
Discreate Data
The classification of data which takes exact
Numerical value
Continuous Data
In continuous data series (grouped frequency
distribution), the value of a variable is grouped into
several class intervals (such as 0-5,5-10,10-15) along
with the corresponding frequencies.
Age No of students
0-5 10
5-10 15
10-15 12
Thank you
