Chapter 1: Data - Its Source and Compilation
Exercises
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
(i) A number or character which represents measurement is called
(a) Digit (b) Data (c) Number (d) Character
Answer: (a) Digit
(ii) A single datum is a single measurement from the
(a) Table (b) Frequency (c) Real world (d) Information
Answer: (c) Real world
(iii) In a tally mark grouping by four and crossing fifth is called
(a) Four and Cross Method (b) Tally Marking Method
(c) Frequency plotting Method (d) Inclusive Method
Answer: (a) Four and Cross Method
(iv) An Ogive is a method in which
(a) Simple frequency is measured
(b) Cumulative frequency is measured
(c) Simple frequency is plotted
(d) Cumulative frequency is plotted
Answer: (d) Cumulative frequency is plotted
(v) If both ends of a group are taken in frequency grouping, it is called
(a) Exclusive Method (b) Inclusive Method
(c) Marking Method (d) Statistical Method
Answer: (b) Inclusive Method
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) Differentiate between data and information.
Answer: Data are raw, unprocessed facts and figures. Information is data given context and meaning, making it understandable and useful. Think of data as building blocks, and information as the completed structure – meaningful and organized.
(ii) What do you mean by data processing?
Answer: Data processing takes raw, unorganized data and transforms it into something useful! It's like cooking ingredients—cleaning, sorting, and preparing them to create a delicious dish. It involves cleaning, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data to extract insights and knowledge. This can involve calculations, visualizations, and even using AI!
(iii) What is the advantage of foot note in a table?
Answer: Footnotes in tables offer extra, non-distracting explanations without cluttering the table itself. They:
*Provide context: Clarify abbreviations, exceptions, or data sources without disrupting the table's flow.
*Add detail: Share supplemental information without overcrowding cells, keeping the table easily readable.
*Enhance accuracy: Correct minor errors or highlight specific points without compromising the table's overall clarity.
(iv) What do you mean by primary sources of data?
Answer: Primary sources are like firsthand witnesses! They provide raw, original data collected directly from the source, not interpreted or analyzed by anyone else. Think diaries, interviews, scientific experiments, or historical documents – directly capturing the moment without any middlemen. They're vital for verifying information and getting the closest possible look at the topic!
(v) Enumerate five sources of secondary data.
Answer:
1. Official publications: Government reports, census data, economic surveys – a treasure trove of reliable, standardized data.
2. Research papers & journals: Expert analysis and findings on diverse topics, offering curated insights from original research.
3. News articles & media reports: Timely updates and diverse perspectives, but require critical evaluation for accuracy and bias.
4. Books & encyclopedias: Summarized knowledge and historical context, though might lack immediate data updates.
5. Statistical databases & online repositories: Publicly available datasets on various sectors, offering convenient access to organized data.
3. Answer the following questions in about 125 words:
(i) Discuss the national and international agencies where from secondary data
may be collected.
Answer: National and International Agencies for Secondary Data Collection
Secondary data, data collected by someone else for a different purpose, can be a valuable resource for research and analysis. Knowing where to find reliable and relevant secondary data is crucial. Here's a discussion on national and international agencies you can access to gather such data:
National Agencies:
*Government departments and ministries: These often publish reports, datasets, and statistics across various domains like demographics, economics, health, education, environment, etc. Examples include Central Statistical Organization (CSO), National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Education, etc.
*Research institutions and universities: These conduct research and studies, often making data and findings publicly available. Look for data repositories or publications from specific institutes related to your research area.
*Industry associations and trade bodies: These collect data specific to their sectors, providing insights into market trends, production, and consumption patterns. Examples include Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), etc.
*Non-profit organizations and NGOs: These often gather data related to social issues, poverty, human rights, etc. Examples include Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Pratham, etc.
*Newspapers and media outlets: While news articles themselves may not be considered formal data, they can provide leads and access to original data sources mentioned in reports or interviews.
International Agencies:
*United Nations (UN) organizations: The UN system comprises various agencies specializing in different areas, each offering extensive data resources. Examples include World Bank (WB) for economic data, UNESCO for education data, WHO for health data, FAO for food and agriculture data, etc.
*International Monetary Fund (IMF): Provides a wealth of economic and financial data for countries across the globe.
*World Trade Organization (WTO): Offers data on international trade flows, tariffs, and trade agreements.
*Regional organizations: Organizations like the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), Asian Development Bank (ADB), etc., also collect and publish data relevant to their regions.
Additional Tips:
*Data portals and repositories: Many national and international agencies have dedicated data portals where you can easily search and download datasets. Examples include India's Open Government Data Platform, World Bank's Open Data, etc.
*Academic databases: Subscription-based databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect provide access to scholarly articles and research reports, often containing valuable secondary data.
Online research tools: Websites like Google Scholar, Worldometer, and Statista offer quick access to a wide range of statistical data from various sources.
Remember, choosing the right agency depends on your specific research needs and the type of data you're looking for. Be specific in your search terms and use reliable sources to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data you collect.
(ii) What is the importance of an index number? Taking an example examine the process of calculating an index number and show the changes.
Answer: Importance of Index Numbers:
Index numbers are vital statistical tools used to measure changes in a group of related variables over time or across different locations. They act as condensed summaries, simplifying complex data into a single, easily understandable value. The importance of index numbers stems from several key reasons:
*Comparison: They allow comparisons of complex phenomena like price levels, stock market performance, or industrial production across different time periods or locations. This facilitates understanding trends, growth patterns, and relative changes.
*Inflation Measurement: Price index numbers like CPI (Consumer Price Index) track changes in the cost of living by measuring price fluctuations of a basket of goods and services. This informs economic policy decisions like wage adjustments and monetary interventions.
*Performance Tracking: Index numbers can track the performance of specific sectors like stock markets (stock market indices) or real estate (housing price indices). This helps investors and policymakers make informed decisions.
*Benchmarking: They can be used as benchmarks to compare different entities or regions. For example, comparing a country's GDP index to its regional average highlights its relative economic standing.
*Research & Analysis: Index numbers serve as crucial analytical tools in various fields. Economists use them to study inflation, economic growth, and business cycles. Social scientists use them to analyze demographic trends and development indicators.
Example: Calculating a Price Index Number
Let's take the example of calculating a simple price index for a basket of three goods (apples, oranges, and bananas) over two years (2022 and 2023).
Step 1: Choose a Base Year:
Select a reference year as the base (100). Here, let's choose 2022 as the base year.
Step 2: Determine Prices and Weights:
Record the prices of each item in both years and assign weights based on their relative importance in the basket. We'll assume equal weights of 1 for each item for simplicity.
Step 3: Calculate Price Relatives:
Activity
1. In a class of 35 students of Geography, following marks were obtained out of
10 marks in unit test – 1, 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 2, 3, 4, 0, 2, 5, 8, 4, 5, 3, 6, 3, 2, 7, 6,
5, 4, 3, 7, 8, 9, 7, 9, 4, 5, 4, 3. Represent the data in the form of a group frequency
distribution.
2. Collect the last test result of Geography of your class and represent the marks in the form of a group frequency distribution.
