Quantitative Aptitude Data Interpretation Study Material

Quantitative Aptitude Data Interpretation Study Material

Data may be presented in the form of tables, graphs or diagrams. Tables consist of precise numerical figures whereas diagrams give only an approximate idea. However, diagrams and graphs have the advantage of showing trends in the data. While there is no clear line of demarcation between diagrams and graphs, we may note the following distinction between them : (а) A graph represents a mathematical relationship whereas a diagram does not. (б) Diagrams do not add anything to the data while graphs are useful in statistical analysis. (c) Graphs are considered more appropriate than diagrams for presenting frequency distribution and time series. In our everyday life we come across graphs, tables and other types of numerical data in newspapers, magazines, periodicals, journals, information bulletins etc. These data may relate to the cost of living, cricket average, profits of a company, temperature of cities, expenditure in various sectors of a five-year plan and so on. For instance, if we look into a newspaper, we may find a weather report giving pertinent data about the maximum and minimum temperatures and rainfall of various important cities of India and world. . The term “data” means “information”. However, the dictionary meaning of the term “data” is “given facts.” Data may be of two types : Primary data and Secondary data. When an investigator collects data himself/herself with a definite plan or design in his/her mind, it is called primary data. Primary data are, therefore, highly reliable and relevant These data are original in nature and are collected by some individuals or by some institutions or agencies or research bodies. For example, data collected in a census operation by the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, are primary data. However, it is not always possible for an investigator to collect primary data due to lack of time, money and resources. Many times he/she uses the data collected by some one else, which may be in the form of published reports or official statistics collected by the Government etc. Since the same data can serve various purposes, it is, therefore, possible that the data collected by an individual are used by another for his own investigation. Thus, data which are not originally collected rather obtained from published or unpublished sources are known as secondary data. Secondary data should be used with great care since these are collected with a purpose different from that of the investigator and may lose some detail or may not be fully relevant to the investigation.                                                             Get more at   Quantitative Aptitude Data Interpretation Study Material