Q.Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of statistics?

This objective question checks whether you can spot the option that contradicts a characteristic rather than states one.

The characteristics of statistics require it to be an aggregate of facts, not a single number. Testing each option:

• (a) Numerically expressed — this is a genuine characteristic. ✗ (not the answer)
• (b) Collected for a predetermined purpose — this is a genuine characteristic. ✗
• (c) A single isolated figure — this is the opposite of a characteristic: statistics must be an aggregate of facts, so a lone figure is NOT statistics. ✓ (this is the answer)
• (d) Affected by multiplicity of causes — this is a genuine characteristic. ✗ …

The trap in a 'which is NOT' question is to pick the first correct-sounding characteristic (a, b or d) out of habit — read carefully, because the answer is the one op …