Classification, Tabulation and

Presentation of Data
 Classification
A classification is an ordered set of related
categories used to group data according to its
similarities.
It consists of codes and descriptors and allows
survey responses to be put into meaningful
categories in order to produce useful data
It is a framework which both simplifies the topic
being studied and makes it easy to categorize all
data or responses received.
 Features of a classification

1. Exhaustive categories  - All survey responses need to fit into the

classification structure somewhere.
2. Precise and meaningful descriptors for categories -
3. Conceptually sound - The classification should have a conceptual basis
and a logical structure
4. Statistically balanced - In general, survey responses should not fall
heavily into one category and sparsely into the other categories
5. Operationally feasible - There is no point in having a classification that
cannot be implemented in practice.
6. Statistically robust - The classification should be able to be used for a
number of years without revision
7. Internationally comparable - The classification should be comparable
with any international standard classification
 Objectives of Data Classification

1. To consolidate the volume of data in such a way that

similarities and differences can be quickly understood.
Figures can consequently be ordered in sections with
common traits.
2. To aid comparison.
    To point out the important characteristics of the data at
a flash.
3. To give importance to the prominent data collected
while separating the optional elements.
4. To allow a statistical method of the materials gathered.
 Types of classification
1. Geographical i.e., area wise
2. Chronological , i.e, time
3. Qualitative , on the basis of attributes
4. Quantitative , i.e. in terms of magnitude.
 Tabulation of Data
Tabulation is a systematic & logical
presentation of numeric data in rows and
columns to facilitate comparison and
statistical analysis.
In other words, the method of placing
organized data into a tabular form is called as
tabulation.
• According to the tabulation definition, it is the
systematic presentation of data in the form
of horizontal rows and vertical columns to
propagate statistical analysis through their
comparison. ... Complex tabulation further
has three types – two-way table, three-way
table, and manifold table.
 What are the Essential Parts of a Table?

1. Table Number – 
2. Title of the Table – 
3. Head note –
4. Column Headings or Captions – 
5. Row Headings or Stubs – 
6. Body of a Table – 
7. Footnote – 
8. Source Note – 
 What are the Objectives of Tabulation?

1.For Simplification of Complex Data – 

When any information is tabulated, the volume of raw
data is compressed and presented in a much more
simplified manner.
2. To Highlight Important Information – 
Representing any data in tabular form increases the
scope to highlight important information. Since data is
presented in a concise manner without any textual
explanation, any crucial information is automatically
highlighted without difficulty. 
3. To Enable Easy Comparison – 
When data is presented in an orderly fashion in rows and
columns, it becomes easier to compare between them on the
basis of several parameters. 
4. To Help in the Statistical Analysis of Data – 
Statistical analysis involves the computing correlation,
average, dispersion, etc. of data. When information is
presented in an organized manner in a table, statistical
analysis becomes a lot simpler. 
5. To Saves Space
Even though it might not seem as important as the other
objective of tabulation, saving space without sacrificing the
quality of data can be extremely helpful in the long run.
Additionally, a table helps to present facts in a much more
concise manner than page after page of text.
 Types of Tabulation – 

Generally, tabulation can be classified into two

types – simple and complex tabulation.
1. Simple Tabulation
This is the process of tabulation through
which information regarding one or more
independent questions is illustrated. It is also
known as one-way tabulation
2. Complex Tabulation
These are the types of tables which represent the division of
data into two or more categories based on two or more
characteristics. This type of data tabulation can be divided into
three types. These are – 
i)Two Way Tables – These tables illustrate information collected
from two mutually dependent questions. For instance, say that
a table has to illustrate the highest population in different
states of India. This can be done in a one-way table. But if the
population has to be compared in terms of the total number of
males and females in each state, it will require a two way table.
 ii)Three-Way Table – Like the above mentioned category,
three-way tables illustrate information collected from three
mutually dependent and inter-related questions.
• Let us take the above example and elaborate on that
further with another category added to the table – the
position of literacy amongst the male and female
population in each state. The tabulation for these
categories has to be put down in a three-way table.
• Manifold Table – These tables are utilised to illustrate
information collected from more than three interrelated
questions or characteristics.
 What are the Rules of Tabulation?

1. Tables illustrated should be self-explanatory. Even though

footnotes form a part of tables, they should not be mandatory to
explain the meaning of the data presented in a table.
2. If the volume of information is substantial, it is best to put them
down in multiple tables instead of a single one. This reduces the
chances of mistakes and defeats the purpose of forming a table.
However, each table formed should also be complete in itself
and serve the purpose of analysis.
3. The number of rows and columns should be kept minimal to
present information in a crisp and concise manner.
4. Before tabulating, data should be approximated, wherever
necessary.
5. Stubs and captions should be self-explanatory and
should not require the help of footnotes to be
comprehended.
6. If certain positions of data collected cannot be
tabulated under any stub or captions, they should
be put down in a separate table under the heading
of miscellaneous.
7. Quantity and quality of data should not be
compromised under any scenario while forming a
table.