Statistics · Ch 2 — Presentation of Data
Types of Classification
Types of Classification
Data can be classified on four broad bases, depending on the characteristic used to form the groups.
| Basis | Also called | What it groups by | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographical | Spatial classification | Place / region | State-wise cotton production in India |
| Chronological | Temporal classification | Time (year, month, week) | Gujarat's annual milk output, 2018–2024 |
| Qualitative | Descriptive classification | An attribute that cannot be measured numerically | Population classified by gender, literacy, religion |
| Quantitative | Numerical classification | A measurable characteristic | Students classified by marks obtained, workers by wages |
Geographical classification arranges data area-wise — district-wise, state-wise, or country-wise — and is usually listed alphabetically or by size of the figure.
Chronological classification arranges data by the time period to which it belongs, almost always in ascending order of time — this is the natural way to present, say, a shop's yearly turnover.
Qualitative classification groups data according to an attribute — a quality that is present or absent, or present in degree, but not itself a number (e.g., married/unmarried, literate/illiterate). When there is only one attribute it is called simple classification (literate vs illiterate); when two or more attributes are studied together it is called manifold classification (literate males vs literate females vs illiterate males vs illiterate females). …
A qualitative characteristic that cannot be measured numerically (e.g., gender, hone …
A quantitative characteristic that can be measured and expressed as a number (e.g., mark …