Classification of data

Classification of data

    Classification is the process of arranging data into groups or classes according to the common characteristics possessed by the individual items.

    Data can be classified on the basis of one or more of the following kinds namely

    • Geography
    • Chronology
    • Quality
    • Quantity.

    Geographical classification (or ) Spatial Classification

    Some data can be classified area-wise, such as states, towns etc.
    Region Area ( in hectares)
    Central India -
    West -
    North -
    East -
    South -

    Chronological or Temporal or Historical Classification

    • Some data can be classified on the basis of time and arranged chronologically or historically.
    Data on Production of food grains in India can be classified as shown below
    Year Tonnes
    1990-91 -
    1991-92 -
    1992-93 -
    1993-94 -
    1994-95 -

    Qualitative Classification
    • Some data can be classified on the basis of attributes or characteristics. The number of farmers based on their land holdings can be given as follows
    Type of farmers Number of farmers
    Type of farmers Number of farmers
    Marginal 907
    Medium 1041
    Large 1948
    Total 3896


    Qualitative classification can be of two types as follows

    1. Simple classification
    2. Manifold classification

    Simple Classification

    • This is based on only one quality.
    Eg.

    Cultivable land Educational level of farmers

    Manifold Classification:

    • This is based on more than one quality.
    Eg:
    Manifold Classification
    Quantitative classification
    • Some data can be classified in terms of magnitude. The data on land holdings by farmers in a block. Quantitative classification is based the land holding which is the variable in this example.
    • Land holding ( hectare) Number of Farmers
    Land holding ( hectare) Number of Farmers
    < 1 442
    1-2 908
    2-5 471
    >5 124
    Total 1945

Last modified: Thursday, 15 March 2012, 8:42 PM