Q.Define classification of data. State its objectives and describe the different bases of classification.

Classification is the first step in organising raw data, and can be done on four standard bases.

Definition. Classification is the process of arranging collected data into groups or classes according to their common characteristics, so that similarities and differences become clear. It precedes presentation and tabulation.

Objectives:

• To condense a large mass of raw data into a compact form.
• To bring out the similarities and differences by grouping like with like.
• To make the data comparable and ready for tabulation and analysis.
• To present the data in a simple, understandable form.

Bases of classification:

1. Geographical (spatial) — by place or area (states, districts, cities). Example: population classified district by district.
2. Chronological (temporal) — by time (years, months); data so classified forms a time series. Example: a company's annual sales, 2018–2024.
3. Qualitative (by attribute) — by a quality that cannot be measured numerically (sex, literacy, religion). It may be simple/two-fold (one attribute, e.g. literate/illiterate) or manifold/multiple (more than one attribute at a time, e.g. sex and then literacy). …

Students often list only two or three bases — all four (geographical, chronological, qualitative, quantitative) should be named. Also, do not confuse qualitative classification (attributes like …