- Category
- >Statistics
An Overview of Descriptive Analysis
- Ayush Singh Rawat
- Mar 31, 2021
Nowadays, Big Data and Data Science have become high volume keywords. They tend to become extensively researched and this makes this data to be processed and studied with scrutiny. One of the techniques to analyse this data is Descriptive Analysis.
This data needs to be analysed to provide great insights and influential trends that allows the next batch of content to be made in accordance to the general population’s liking or dis-liking.
Introduction
The conversion of raw data into a form that will make it easy to understand & interpret, ie., rearranging, ordering, and manipulating data to provide insightful information about the provided data.
Descriptive Analysis is the type of analysis of data that helps describe, show or summarize data points in a constructive way such that patterns might emerge that fulfill every condition of the data.
It is one of the most important steps for conducting statistical data analysis. It gives you a conclusion of the distribution of your data, helps you detect typos and outliers, and enables you to identify similarities among variables, thus making you ready for conducting further statistical analyses.
Techniques for Descriptive Analysis
Data aggregation and data mining are two techniques used in descriptive analysis to churn out historical data. In Data aggregation, data is first collected and then sorted in order to make the datasets more manageable.
-
Descriptive techniques often include constructing tables of quantiles and means, methods of dispersion such as variance or standard deviation, and cross-tabulations or "crosstabs" that can be used to carry out many disparate hypotheses. These hypotheses often highlight differences among subgroups.
-
Measures like segregation, discrimination, and inequality are studied using specialised descriptive techniques. Discrimination is measured with the help of audit studies or decomposition methods. More segregation on the basis of type or inequality of outcomes need not be wholly good or bad in itself, but it is often considered a marker of unjust social processes; accurate measurement of the different steps across space and time is a prerequisite to understanding these processes.
-
A table of means by subgroup is used to show important differences across subgroups, which mostly results in inference and conclusions being made. When we notice a gap in earnings, for example, we naturally tend to extrapolate reasons for those patterns complying.
But this also enters the province of measuring impacts which requires the use of different techniques. Often, random variation causes difference in means, and statistical inference is required to determine whether observed differences could happen merely due to chance.
-
A crosstab or two-way tabulation is supposed to show the proportions of components with unique values for each of two variables available, or cell proportions. For example, we might tabulate the proportion of the population that has a high school degree and also receives food or cash assistance, meaning a crosstab of education versus receipt of assistance is supposed to be made.
Then we might also want to examine row proportions, or the fractions in each education group who receive food or cash assistance, perhaps seeing assistance levels dip extraordinarily at higher education levels.
Column proportions can also be examined, for the fraction of population with different levels of education, but this is the opposite from any causal effects. We might come across a surprisingly high number or proportion of recipients with a college education, but this might be a result of larger numbers of people being college graduates than people who have less than a high school degree.
(Must check: 4 Types of Data in Statistics)
Types of Descriptive Analysis
Descriptive analysis can be categorized into four types which are measures of frequency, central tendency, dispersion or variation, and position. These methods are optimal for a single variable at a time.
Different types of Descriptive Analysis
-
Measures of Frequency
In descriptive analysis, it’s essential to know how frequently a certain event or response is likely to occur. This is the prime purpose of measures of frequency to make like a count or percent.
For example, consider a survey where 500 participants are asked about their favourite IPL team. A list of 500 responses would be difficult to consume and accommodate, but the data can be made much more accessible by measuring how many times a certain IPL team was selected.
-
Measures of Central Tendency
In descriptive analysis, it’s also important to find out the Central (or average) Tendency or response. Central tendency is measured with the use of three averages — mean, median, and mode. As an example, consider a survey in which the weight of 1,000 people is measured. In this case, the mean average would be an excellent descriptive metric to measure mid-values.
-
Measures of Dispersion
Sometimes, it is important to know how data is divided across a range. To elaborate this, consider the average weight in a sample of two people. If both individuals are 60 kilos, the average weight will be 60 kg. However, if one individual is 50 kg and the other is 70 kg, the average weight is still 60 kg. Measures of dispersion like range or standard deviation can be employed to measure this kind of distribution.
-
Measures of Position
Descriptive analysis also involves identifying the position of a single value or its response in relation to others. Measures like percentiles and quartiles become very useful in this area of expertise.
Apart from it, if you’ve collected data on multiple variables, you can use the Bivariate or Multivariate descriptive statistics to study whether there are relationships between them.
In bivariate analysis, you simultaneously study the frequency and variability of two different variables to see if they seem to have a pattern and vary together. You can also test and compare the central tendency of the two variables before carrying out further types of statistical analysis.
Multivariate analysis is the same as bivariate analysis but it is carried out for more than two variables. Following 2 methods are for bivariate analysis.
-
Contingency table
In a contingency table, each cell represents the combination of the two variables. Naturally, an independent variable (e.g., gender) is listed along the vertical axis and a dependent one is tallied along the horizontal axis (e.g., activities). You need to read “across” the table to witness how the two variables i.e. independent and dependent variables relate to each other.
|
Group |
0–4 |
5–8 |
9–12 |
13–16 |
17+ |
|
Men |
33 |
68 |
37 |
23 |
22 |
|
Women |
36 |
48 |
44 |
83 |
25 |
A table showing a tally of different gender with number of activities
-
Scatter plots
A scatter plot is a chart that enables you to see the relationship between two or three different variables. It’s a visual rendition of the strength of a relationship.
In a scatter plot, you are supposed to plot one variable along the x-axis and another one along the y-axis. Each data point is denoted by a point in the chart.
The scatter plot shows the hours of sleep needed per day by age,Source
(Recommend Blog: Introduction to Bayesian Statistics)
Advantages of Descriptive Analysis
-
High degree of objectivity and neutrality of the researchers are one of the main advantages of Descriptive Analysis. The reason why researchers need to be extra vigilant is because descriptive analysis shows different characteristics of the data extracted and if the data doesn’t match with the trends then it will lead to major dumping of data.
-
Descriptive analysis is considered to be more vast than other quantitative methods and provide a broader picture of an event or phenomenon. It can use any number of variables or even a single number of variables to conduct a descriptive research.
-
This type of analysis is considered as a better method for collecting information that describes relationships as natural and exhibits the world as it exists. This reason makes this analysis very real and close to humanity as all the trends are made after research about the real-life behaviour of the data.
-
It is considered useful for identifying variables and new hypotheses which can be further analyzed through experimental and inferential studies. It is considered useful because the margin for error is very less as we are taking the trends straight from the data properties.
-
This type of study gives the researcher the flexibility to use both quantitative and qualitative data in order to discover the properties of the population.
For example, researchers can use both case study which is a qualitative analysis and correlation analysis to describe a phenomena in its own way. Using the case studies for describing people, events, institutions enables the researcher to understand the behavior and pattern of the concerned set to its maximum potential.
-
In the case of surveys which consist of one of the main types of Descriptive Analysis, the researcher tends to gather data points from a relatively large number of samples unlike experimental studies that generally need smaller samples.
This is an out and out advantage of the survey method over other descriptive methods that it enables researchers to study larger groups of individuals with ease. If the surveys are properly administered, it gives a broader and neater description of the unit under research.
(Also check: Importance of Statistics for Data Science)
Share Blog :
Or
Be a part of our Instagram community
Trending blogs
Elasticity of Demand and its Types
READ MORE5 Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior
READ MOREWhat is PESTLE Analysis? Everything you need to know about it
READ MOREAn Overview of Descriptive Analysis
READ MORE5 Factors Affecting the Price Elasticity of Demand (PED)
READ MOREDijkstra’s Algorithm: The Shortest Path Algorithm
READ MORE6 Major Branches of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
READ MOREWhat is Managerial Economics? Definition, Types, Nature, Principles, and Scope
READ MORE8 Most Popular Business Analysis Techniques used by Business Analyst
READ MORE7 Types of Statistical Analysis: Definition and Explanation
READ MORE
Latest Comments
evelynryan2022
Sep 20, 2022GET RICH WITH BLANK ATM CARD, Whatsapp: +18033921735 I want to testify about Dark Web blank atm cards which can withdraw money from any atm machines around the world. I was very poor before and have no job. I saw so many testimony about how Dark Web Cyber hackers send them the atm blank card and use it to collect money in any atm machine and become rich. {DARKWEBONLINEHACKERS@GMAIL.COM} I email them also and they sent me the blank atm card. I have use it to get 500,000 dollars. withdraw the maximum of 5,000 USD daily. Dark Web is giving out the card just to help the poor. Hack and take money directly from any atm machine vault with the use of atm programmed card which runs in automatic mode. You can also contact them for the service below * Western Union/MoneyGram Transfer * Bank Transfer * PayPal / Skrill Transfer * Crypto Mining * CashApp Transfer * Bitcoin Loans * Recover Stolen/Missing Crypto/Funds/Assets Email: darkwebonlinehackers@gmail.com Text & Call or WhatsApp: +18033921735 Website: https://darkwebonlinehackers.com
hyeleifyqv62
Sep 21, 2022YOU MUST READ THIS because it's extremely valuable , I’m here to share some advice based on my experiences, please don’t be used by any impostors, be warned, most of these so-called hackers here are impostors. Now I know how real hackers work, they never advertise themselves in such a credulous manner and they are always discrete, real hackers are known as wizards. I have been ripped off so many times so from experience I know pretty much how they work. No real hacker uses a Gmail account simply because it can be tracked. No real Wizard who is good at hacking will like to be tracked down. Please be aware of that before hiring a hacker. Eventually my zeal to solve my issue paid off when a friend of mine introduced me to this guy, his professionalism is top class. I am sharing this piece of info for those who genuinely want the service of a professional hacker.contact him; PAYBACK REFUND . COM He is fast and reliable Email: REFUNDPAYBACK@G M Whatsapp:+1678 379 3631
evelynryan2022
Sep 20, 2022GET RICH WITH BLANK ATM CARD, Whatsapp: +18033921735 I want to testify about Dark Web blank atm cards which can withdraw money from any atm machines around the world. I was very poor before and have no job. I saw so many testimony about how Dark Web Cyber hackers send them the atm blank card and use it to collect money in any atm machine and become rich. {DARKWEBONLINEHACKERS@GMAIL.COM} I email them also and they sent me the blank atm card. I have use it to get 500,000 dollars. withdraw the maximum of 5,000 USD daily. Dark Web is giving out the card just to help the poor. Hack and take money directly from any atm machine vault with the use of atm programmed card which runs in automatic mode. You can also contact them for the service below * Western Union/MoneyGram Transfer * Bank Transfer * PayPal / Skrill Transfer * Crypto Mining * CashApp Transfer * Bitcoin Loans * Recover Stolen/Missing Crypto/Funds/Assets Email: darkwebonlinehackers@gmail.com Text & Call or WhatsApp: +18033921735 Website: https://darkwebonlinehackers.com
hyeleifyqv62
Sep 21, 2022YOU MUST READ THIS because it's extremely valuable , I’m here to share some advice based on my experiences, please don’t be used by any impostors, be warned, most of these so-called hackers here are impostors. Now I know how real hackers work, they never advertise themselves in such a credulous manner and they are always discrete, real hackers are known as wizards. I have been ripped off so many times so from experience I know pretty much how they work. No real hacker uses a Gmail account simply because it can be tracked. No real Wizard who is good at hacking will like to be tracked down. Please be aware of that before hiring a hacker. Eventually my zeal to solve my issue paid off when a friend of mine introduced me to this guy, his professionalism is top class. I am sharing this piece of info for those who genuinely want the service of a professional hacker.contact him; PAYBACK REFUND . COM He is fast and reliable Email: REFUNDPAYBACK@G M Whatsapp:+1678 379 3631
hyeleifyqv62
Sep 21, 2022YOU MUST READ THIS because it's extremely valuable , I’m here to share some advice based on my experiences, please don’t be used by any impostors, be warned, most of these so-called hackers here are impostors. Now I know how real hackers work, they never advertise themselves in such a credulous manner and they are always discrete, real hackers are known as wizards. I have been ripped off so many times so from experience I know pretty much how they work. No real hacker uses a Gmail account simply because it can be tracked. No real Wizard who is good at hacking will like to be tracked down. Please be aware of that before hiring a hacker. Eventually my zeal to solve my issue paid off when a friend of mine introduced me to this guy, his professionalism is top class. I am sharing this piece of info for those who genuinely want the service of a professional hacker.contact him; PAYBACK REFUND . COM He is fast and reliable Email: REFUNDPAYBACK@G M Whatsapp:+1678 379 3631
hyeleifyqv62
Sep 21, 2022YOU MUST READ THIS because it's extremely valuable , I’m here to share some advice based on my experiences, please don’t be used by any impostors, be warned, most of these so-called hackers here are impostors. Now I know how real hackers work, they never advertise themselves in such a credulous manner and they are always discrete, real hackers are known as wizards. I have been ripped off so many times so from experience I know pretty much how they work. No real hacker uses a Gmail account simply because it can be tracked. No real Wizard who is good at hacking will like to be tracked down. Please be aware of that before hiring a hacker. Eventually my zeal to solve my issue paid off when a friend of mine introduced me to this guy, his professionalism is top class. I am sharing this piece of info for those who genuinely want the service of a professional hacker.contact him; PAYBACK REFUND . COM He is fast and reliable Email: REFUNDPAYBACK@G M Whatsapp:+1678 379 3631
hyeleifyqv62
Sep 21, 2022YOU MUST READ THIS because it's extremely valuable , I’m here to share some advice based on my experiences, please don’t be used by any impostors, be warned, most of these so-called hackers here are impostors. Now I know how real hackers work, they never advertise themselves in such a credulous manner and they are always discrete, real hackers are known as wizards. I have been ripped off so many times so from experience I know pretty much how they work. No real hacker uses a Gmail account simply because it can be tracked. No real Wizard who is good at hacking will like to be tracked down. Please be aware of that before hiring a hacker. Eventually my zeal to solve my issue paid off when a friend of mine introduced me to this guy, his professionalism is top class. I am sharing this piece of info for those who genuinely want the service of a professional hacker.contact him; PAYBACK REFUND . COM He is fast and reliable Email: REFUNDPAYBACK@G M Whatsapp:+1678 379 3631
hyeleifyqv62
Sep 21, 2022YOU MUST READ THIS because it's extremely valuable , I’m here to share some advice based on my experiences, please don’t be used by any impostors, be warned, most of these so-called hackers here are impostors. Now I know how real hackers work, they never advertise themselves in such a credulous manner and they are always discrete, real hackers are known as wizards. I have been ripped off so many times so from experience I know pretty much how they work. No real hacker uses a Gmail account simply because it can be tracked. No real Wizard who is good at hacking will like to be tracked down. Please be aware of that before hiring a hacker. Eventually my zeal to solve my issue paid off when a friend of mine introduced me to this guy, his professionalism is top class. I am sharing this piece of info for those who genuinely want the service of a professional hacker.contact him; PAYBACK REFUND . COM He is fast and reliable Email: REFUNDPAYBACK@G M Whatsapp:+1678 379 3631
monroealbert097
Sep 21, 2022Hello everyone, I want to use this medium to thank a great spell caster called Dr Graceondu for transforming my life financially, i have been playing lottery game for long but have never won any reasonable amount, I contacted Dr Graceondu after i red about him on the internet on how he help a lady with a lottery winning numbers and the lady won a very big amount of money, so i contacted him and He instructed me on what to do which i did and he told me to give him some time to pray, on the second day he sent me some numbers and he said i should go and play them, so i went to play the numbers he gave me, after two day the result came out, and i went to check and to my greatest surprise my name came out as one of the winners i won $45 million, i still cant believe what happened to me that i am now a millionaire over night, i just want to say a very big thank you to Dr Graceondu i have never seen a powerful man like him, I will advice everyone out there to contact Dr Graceondu if you want to win big in your lottery game. You can reach him via his email, drgraceondu12@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +17542773146 you can also visit his Website @ https://drgraceonduadodo.com
Robert Morrison
Sep 26, 2022READ MY REVIEW HOW I WIN $158m CONTACT DR KACHI NOW FOR YOUR OWN LOTTERY WINNING NUMBERS. I was a gas station truck driver and I always playing the SUPER LOTTO GAME, I’m here to express my gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr Kachi did for me, Have anybody hear of the professional great spell caster who help people to win Lottery and clear all your debt and buy yourself a home and also have a comfortable life living. Dr Kachi Lottery spell casting is wonders and work very fast. He helped me with lucky numbers to win a big money that changed my life and my family. Recently i won, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY EIGHT MILLIONS DOLLARS, A Super Lotto ticket I bought in Oxnard Liquor Store, I am so grateful to meet Dr Kachi on internet for helping me to win the lottery and if you also need his help, email him at: drkachispellcast@gmail.com and he will also help you as well to win and make you happy like me today. visit his Website, https://drkachispellcast.wixsite.com/my-site
Robert Morrison
Sep 26, 2022READ MY REVIEW HOW I WIN $158m CONTACT DR KACHI NOW FOR YOUR OWN LOTTERY WINNING NUMBERS. I was a gas station truck driver and I always playing the SUPER LOTTO GAME, I’m here to express my gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr Kachi did for me, Have anybody hear of the professional great spell caster who help people to win Lottery and clear all your debt and buy yourself a home and also have a comfortable life living. Dr Kachi Lottery spell casting is wonders and work very fast. He helped me with lucky numbers to win a big money that changed my life and my family. Recently i won, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY EIGHT MILLIONS DOLLARS, A Super Lotto ticket I bought in Oxnard Liquor Store, I am so grateful to meet Dr Kachi on internet for helping me to win the lottery and if you also need his help, email him at: drkachispellcast@gmail.com and he will also help you as well to win and make you happy like me today. visit his Website, https://drkachispellcast.wixsite.com/my-site
paulrobert7022
Sep 26, 2022I needed assistance on how to fix my credit and perhaps purchase a small condo/townhouse. I had a credit score of 517 across board, 4 hard inquiries (11-6-2019) 3 open accounts (car note, $35,000) and student loans (187,000-greatest mistake of my financial life); 3 negative marks, totaling $7,000-thought of asking for a pay to delete before learned about PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST on MyFico blog. It still seems like a dream but I now have a FICO score of 811 and all hard inquiries, student loan, open accounts erased from my report and every debt now appears as paid on time. I sincerely appreciate the service I got from PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST I encourage everyone who has credit issues to quickly contact them on: pinnaclecreditspecialist@gmail.com / +1 (585) 466 4373.
richardjulian401
Sep 29, 2022I wanted an approval for a car but I had a fico score of 492 Equifax, 546 TransUnion, 559 Experian. The only reason my Equifax is so low is because of the PPP loan being on it and exactly my fears the dealership singled it out and refused to approve my request. The dealer rather advises me to work with PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST if I desire to fix my credit report. I immediately contacted via email: pinnaclecreditspecialist@gmail.com and explained all my challenges, he assured to raise my score and clear the loans including the credit card debts which he did perfectly in less than 4 days, which is an amazing job to me and I confirmed it when I returned to the same place I was denied earlier and after the dealer pulled my report I was approved of a car with a very low interest rate. All thanks to PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST. I now have an excellent credit score of 801 Equifax, 809 TransUnion, 811 Experian and a clean credit report. You can contact them via email or reach them phone +1 (585) 466 4373 for quick and reliable credit fix, Chex system and DUI2020. Cheers and don’t forget to let them know I referred you.