ADOGHE VICTOR

Week 7: MEASURES OF DISPERSION

COURSE OUTLINE / DELIVERY Week 8: MEASURES OF DISPERSION

MODULES
Module 2: SKEWNESS &KURTOSIS
Module 1: STATISTICAL DATA
Week 9: Symmetrical Distribution
Week 1: Statistics
Week 10: RATES AND RATIOS
Week 2: PRESENTATION OF DATA
Week 11: INDEX NUMBERS
Week 3: ERRORS AND APPROXIMATION
Week 12: OVERVIEW OF DESCRIPTIVE
Week 4: DISTRIBUTIONS STATISTICS

Week 5: MEASURES OF LOCATION Week 13: Revision

Week 6: MEASURES OF PARTITION Week 14: End-of-Semester Examination.

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 Introduction
This unit introduces the fundamentals of statistics,
encompassing key concepts related to the types, sources,
and methods of collecting statistical data. Statistical
data, represented numerically, holds a pivotal role across
diverse fields, serving as a cornerstone for informed
decision-making, rigorous research, and discerning
patterns and trends. Our exploration will delve into the
core principles of statistical data, scrutinizing its
foundations, sources, types, and collection methods.

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 Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
o Clearly define statistical data and state its
applications in various fields
o Clearly identify and collect data of various
types for a given problem or research question
o Recognize different data sources, such as
surveys, experiments, and observational
studies.
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 Statistics
 Statistics, a mathematical discipline, encompasses the
collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and
organization of data. Its primary objective is to derive
meaningful insights and facilitate informed decision-
making from accurate and reliable data. This study is
imperative for fostering sound reasoning, precise
judgment, and objective decision-making across various
domains. Researchers, educators, businesses, and
government agencies on national, state, or local levels
heavily rely on statistical data to inform operations and
programs.
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 Descriptive
statistics
Descriptive statistics is an aspect of statistics that has to do with the
collection, presentation, and summary of data in a meaningful way. The
essence of descriptive statistics is to give a clear and concise description of
the main characteristics of a dataset. It simplifies and organizes large
amounts of data to make it more understandable and interpretable.
Descriptive statistics are applicable in various fields, including research,
business, finance, and social sciences, to summarize and communicate key
features of datasets.

Inferential statistics
Inferential statistics includes methods for making inferences about a larger
group of individuals on the basis of data actually collected on a much small
group. Statistical inference involves the processes of estimation of
parameters and hypothesis testing. However, this category of statistics is not
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 The Multifaceted Roles of Statistics

Statistics can be used among

others for:
 Individual Decision-Making
 Planning and Decision-Making
 Forecasting and Prediction
 Project Implementation and Control
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 Exploring Statistical Data
Data is a collection of information gathered
by observations, measurements, research or
analysis. They may consist of facts, numbers,
names, figures or even description of things.
Data is classified into:

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 Exploring Statistical Data
Qualitative: Qualitative data pertains to the descriptive qualities of objects or
individuals, providing insightful information such as skin color, eye color, and hair
texture. This type of data is subdivided into two categories:
Nominal Data: Arises from the classification of items or units into two or more
categories within a sample or population, based on a quality characteristic.
Examples: Names of individuals, gender, nationality, etc.
Ordinal Data: Results from the assignment of ranks, establishing order using
integers 1, 2, 3, ..., n.
Examples: Ranks assigned according to performance levels in tests, contests,
competitions, interviews, or shows.
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 Exploring Statistical Data
Quantitative: Quantitative data involves numerical information,
such as the measurement of height and weight. It can be further
categorized based on the nature of the observed variable:
Discrete Data: Values assumed by a discrete variable, measured
in fixed numbers, often count data derived from a counting
process.
Examples: Counting items with or without a certain characteristic.
Continuous Data: Numerical values of a continuous variable,
capable of assuming any value within an interval on a line
segment.
Examples: Characteristics like weight, length, height, thickness,
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 Types of Statistical Data
Statistical data can be classified into two major types namely:
Primary and secondary data.
 Primary: Original dataset collected directly by the researcher
from the source, not previously analyzed by others.
Collection Methods: Involves designing and conducting
experiments, surveys, observations, or interviews.
Examples:
• Heights and weights of students for nutritional assessment.
• Primary school pupil population for national education planning.
• Academic performance of secondary school students under
different leadership styles.

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 Types of Statistical Data
 Secondary Data: Statistical data obtained from
publications, newspapers, and annual reports; already
summarized for purposes other than the original
intention.

Examples:
• Accident fatalities on a specific road from Police or Road
Safety Corps records.
• Age distribution in Nigeria from National Population
Census publications.

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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary data
Advantages Disadvantages
 It consists of actual data needed  Cost of data collection is high
 It is more reliable with clarity  It is time consuming
 It contains a more detailed  There may be larger range of
information non-response

Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary

data
Advantages Disadvantages
 It consists of actual data needed  Cost of data collection is high
 It is more reliable with clarity  It is time consuming
 It contains a more detailed  There may be larger range of
information non-response
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 Methods of Collection of Statistical Data
We have various methods for collecting statistical data depending
on research objectives. These methods include:
 Primary Methods

o Direct Observation: Researchers directly observe and record

data on a phenomenon, behavior, or event.

o Questionnaire: A set of questions or statements assembled to

gather information on one or more variables.

o Interview: Researchers conduct one-on-one or group interviews

to directly collect information from participants.
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 Methods of Collection of Statistical Data
 Secondary Methods

o Abstractions from Published Statistics: Extracting data from

published materials, such as figures related to population or
accident statistics.

o Additional Methods: Other methods include the Telephone

method, Document/Report method, Mail or Postal questionnaire,
Online interview method, etc.

o Considerations: Selection of methods is contingent upon the

specific objectives of the research, ensuring alignment with the
nature of the data to be collected.
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 References/Further Readings

McGraw-Hill. Spiegel, M. R., Schiller, J. J., & Srinivasan, R. A.

(2013). Schaum's Outlines Probability & Statistics (4th ed.).
McGraw-Hill. 31/05/2021, 1)02 AM about:blank Page 2 of 5

Spiegel, M. R., & Stephens, L. J. (2008). Schaum's Outline of

Theory and Problems of Statistics (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

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THANK YOU

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