Data Collection and Presentation

Data: - The collective recording of information either numerical

or otherwise is called Data.
Or
Data can also be defined as the set of values recorded on one or
more observational unit.
Data need processing before it can be used for analysis.
 Types of data:-

 Primary/Direct: -

a) Quantitative or Discrete and Continuous

b) Qualitative

 Secondary/ Indirect
 i) Primary/Direct Data-

The data that is collected by investigator himself or by his subordinate directly

form the source of information is called primary or direct data.
Primary data can be collected in three methods:
1. By Direct Personal Observation, it is considered as accurate but not practicable
if the extent of study is large.
2. By Sending Enumerators with Questionnaire, it is the most practicable method
but can be done with proper training and supervision.
3. By Postal Questionnaire Method, It is the cheapest method of collection of
data,
but the response rate may be comparatively less.
 Secondary or Indirect Data-
If the data collected by one person of agency for one study are utilized by another
person or agency for another study, it is called secondary
data or indirect data. Secondary data is advisable provided its accuracy is
ascertained

 Primary Data
a). Qualitative-Qualitative data is defined as the data that is not precisely
measurable.
b). Quantitative/Continuous data and Discrete data- It is defined as the data is that is
accurately measurable by some instrument, device or some technique. It is also
called numerical data.
 Data: -
1. Grouped data: - The data which is presented in group e.g. hemoglobin
percentage of 10 men can be presented as-
13.2 gm% - 5 men
12.5 gm%- 3 men
14 gm% - 2 men

2. Ungrouped data: - The data which is presented individually e.g. hemoglobin

percentage of 5 men-
12gm%, 13gm%, 13.5gm%, 12.8gm%, 14gm%.
Collection of Data: - The first step in statistical investigation is
collection or gathering of data.

Sources of collection of Data: -

The Main sources for collection of medical Data are –

1. Experiments
2. Surveys
3. Records
1. Experiments –

Experiments are performed in laboratories of physiology, biochemistry,

pharmacology and clinical pathology or in hospitals wards for investigation and
fundamental research.
The data collected with specific objective by one or more workers are compiled
and analyzed. The results are made use of in preparation of dissertations, Thesis and
scientific paper of publication in scientific journals and books.
2. Surveys: -
Surveys are carried out for epidemiological studies in the field by trained teams
to find the incidence or prevalence of diseases such as incidence of malaria or
prevalence of leprosy. Survey gives useful information on:
a. Changes trends in health status, morbidity, mortality, nutritional status and
environmental hazards etc.
b. Provide feedback which may be expected to modify policy and system itself
and lead to redefinitions of objectives.
c. Provide timely warning of public health hazards.
3. Records: -
Records are maintained as a routine in registers or books over a long
period of time for various purposes such as vital statistics-births,
deaths, marriages and for illness in hospital. Data thus collected are
made use of in demography and public health practices.
The other sources of data collection which come under records are as
needs per-
a) Census
b) Registration of vital events
c) Sample registration system(SRS)
d) Hospital Records
e) Research findings.
a)Census:-
The total process of collecting, compiling & publishing demographic.
economical & social data pertaining to all persons in a country at specified time is
called census.

The first census was done in 1872 & every 10 years it is repeated.

The data on age, sex, income & other information obtained in census provides a
base for planning action & research in the field of medicine as well as other sectors.
b) Registration of Vital Events:-

In India registration of births, deaths, marriages is mandatory by law. This is a

foundation of health & vital statistics. This compulsory registration act came in
1970.

c) Sample Registration System-

It is a dual record system, consists of continuous enumeration of births & deaths by

an enumerator . It is an independent survey every 6 months by an investigator
Due to sample registration system, it is possible to get reliable information of birth
& death rates, age specific fertility & mortality rates, and infant mortality rates.
(d) Hospital Records-

This is a basis & primary source of information about diseases prevalent in a

community. This data gives useful information regarding time, place, person and
distribution of various diseases.

(e) Research Findings:-

Researches done in hospitals and medical institutions provides us the data which is
useful for planning & implementation of health activities in general.
 Data Presentation-

Data presentation is a method by which information is summarized, organized and

communicated using a variety of tools such as tables, charts and diagrams.
Data presentation is an important part of the process of data analysis and report
writing.
 Consideration-

Following points should be considered, while presenting the data-

 1. The presentation should be simple as possible.

 2. It should be self explanatory.

 3. The title should be clear and concise.

 4.Codes, legends and labels should be clear and concise.

 5. Use of footnotes for correct interpretation of the graph or chart.

 Methods of presentation-

A)Tabulation
 Qualitative a) simple table b) Complex table

 Quantitative a) frequency distribution table

 B). Drawing: -
 Qualitative – Diagram – a). Bar diagram
b). Pie/sector
c). Pictogram
d). Map/spot

 Quantitative – Graphs - a).Histogram

b).Frequency of polygon
c).Frequency of curve
d).Line chart/graph
e).Cumulative frequency curve
f).Scatter/Dot diagram
 Principles of Presentation

 Data should be presented in simple form

 Arouse interest in reader
 Should be concise but without losing important details.
 Facilitate further statistical analysis
 Define problem and Should suggest its solution
 “ Tabulation”

 It is a systematic and logical arrangement of classified data in rows

and columns.
"What sport do you play?”
Sport People
Soccer 106
Tennis 45
Gymnastics 54
Swimming 82
Track 68
 SIGNIFICANCE OF TABULATION:

 Simplifies complex data

 Unnecessary details and repetitions of data avoided in tabulation
 Facilitates comparison
 Gives identity to data
 Reveals pattern within the figures
RULES OF TABULATION

• A number should be assigned to the table (Table No.)

• A title should be given to the table, it should be concise and self explanatory.
• Contents of the table should be defined clearly Subtitles should be properly
mentioned with columns and rows.
• Group intervals in columns and rows should neither be too narrow nor too wide.
They should also be mutually exclusive.
• Unit of measurement must be mentioned clearly wherever necessary Any short
forms/symbols, if used should be explained in the footnote.
• No place should be left in the body of tables.
• There should be logical arrangement of data in the table.
 Types of Table

1). Master table

2). Simple table
3). Complex table
4). Frequency distribution table
 Drawings-

The presentation of frequencies of characterstics by graph(Lines) or

diagram(shades) is called drawing.
The drawing are considered best method for quick eye reading.
These are better retained in memory than the tables.
The Drawing are usually meant for statistical persons who want to study the relative
values or frequencies of persons or events.
 Drawings: -
 Qualitative – Diagram – a). Bar diagram
b). Pie/sector
c). Pictogram
d). Map/spot

 Quantitative – Graphs - a).Histogram

b).Frequency of polygon
c).Frequency of curve
d).Line chart/graph
e).Cumulative frequency curve
f).Scatter/Dot diagram
 Graph and Diagram: -

 Advantages

 They are attractive

 They give a bird's eye-view of the data
 They can be easily understood by common men
 They facilitate comparison of various characteristics
 The impression created by them are long lasting
 Theorems and results of statistics can be visualized using graphs.
 Limitations:

 They are visual aids.

 They cannot be considered as alternatives for numerical data.
 Though theories and results could be easily visualized by diagrams
and graphs, mathematical rigour cannot be brought in.
 Diagrams and graphs are not accurate as tabular data. Only tabular
data can be used for further analysis.
 By diagrammatic and graphical misrepresentation observers can be
misled easily. It is possible to create wrong impression .
 RULES FOR DRAWING GRAPHS AND DIAGRAMS:
 First choose the form of diagrams /graphs which is capable of representing the
given set of data.
 Title-gives information of diagrams or graphs contain.
 Scale - selection of scale should be neither too small or too large. The scale should
also specify the size of unit and what it represents (eg: No. of the sc persons in
thousands).
 Neatness
 Attractive - different types of lines or shades, colours etc. can be used to make the
pictures more attractive.
 Originality - helps the observer to see the details with accuracy.
 Simplicity-good diagram depends upon ease with which the observer can interpret
it.
 Economy-cost and labour should be exercised drawing.
 Difference between Graphs and Diagrams:
 To construct a graph, graph paper is generally used whereas a diagram is
constructed on a plain paper.
 A graph represents mathematical relationship between two variables where as a
diagram does not.
 Graphs are more appropriate than diagrams to represent frequency distributions
and time series. Diagrams are not at all used for representing frequency
distributions.
 Diagrams are more attractive to the eyes and as such are better suited for
publicity and propaganda.
 Diagrams do not add anything to the meaning of the data and hence they are not
helpful in analysis of data.
 Graphs are very much used by the statisticians and the others.