Unit 6.1 — Definition of Statistics [for 1 marks]
1. Define statistics (OR singular definition or statistics as science).
"Statistics may be defined as the collection, presentation, analysis, interpretation of numerical data".
2. Give plural definition of statistics.
In plural sense, statistics refers to the numerical figures & facts collected systematically for some fruitful purpose.
3. Write down the importance of statistics (scope of Economics).
The importance of statistics are as follows:
- Statistical data analysis are useful in showing various economic problems. E.v. wages, prices.
- ii) Statistics in planning — Accurate and reliable statistics data and method are required for planning.
- Statistics in business — Business forecasting, pricing, investment etc are possible only because of statistics.
4. Write the function of statistics.
The function of statistics are as follow:
- i) Statistics present facts on a definite manner
- ii) Simplified complexities
- iii) statistics facilitates comparison (comparison of facts.
- iv) Prediction/Help in forecasting.
5. Limitations/Weakness of statistics.
- i) Does not study about qualitative phenomena
- ii) Does not deal with individual.
- iii) Results are not always 100% accurate.
- iv) Laws of statistics are issue only on average.
Unit 6.2 — Data Collection
Note: Nebexam ships one "Basic Concepts of Statistics" PDF; the sections below (data collection) are included here until separate sources are published for vault chapters 14–16.
1. What is data?
Data is the collection of numerical facts which is regarded as the first stage of statistical investigation.
2. What are the basic sources of data collection?
OR
Mention the types of data.
- i) Primary data
- ii) Secondary data
3. What is primary data?
Primary data is a type of data that is collected by researches directly from sources through interviews, surveys, experiments etc.
4. List out methods of collecting primary data.
- i) Direct Personal Interview
- ii) Indirect Oral Interview
- iii) Information through correspondents.
- iv) Mailed questionnaire method.
5. Write down the techniques of data collection.
- i) Census Method
- ii) Sample Method
6. Define Secondary data.
When the data is collected by someone for their own purpose, but used by some other person or organization is called secondary data. Ex: Records published by NRB, NGOs & INGOs for their own use are primary data but secondary data for others.
7. Write down the sources of secondary data.
- i) Published Sources
- ii) Unpublished Sources
8. Write down main published sources.
Government & semi-government publication
- Economic Survey published by Ministry of Finance.
- Statistical pocket book, statistical year book by Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
- Various publications by different ministries department & government & semi-governmental offices.
i) Private & Non-government Publication:
- Report published by research institute & universities.
- Report published by Nepal Chamber of Commerce.
- Reports of different companies & financial reports published by prestigious journal.
ii) International Publications:
- Publications of UNO such as UN statistical Year Book, Demographic Year Book.
- Publications of international bodies such as ILO, IMF, ADB etc.
9. Write down main unpublished sources.
- Hospital records of patients
- Records of schools, colleges and university administrative.
- Research coorles of students such as masters level 2 ph.D thesis.
- Reports of private organization.
10. Differences between primary & secondary data:
| Primary Data | Secondary Data |
|---|---|
| The data collected for first time by investigator. | The data collected by someone for their own purpose but used by some other person or organization. |
| It is costly as it requires more money, time effort. | Type of data is taken from already recorded sources. |
| They are original in nature. | They lack originality & they are secondhand data. |
11. Why primary data is more expensive than secondary data?
Primary data is more expensive than secondary data because it is collected by investors or his agent directly.
12. Why primary data is important?
Primary data is important because it is original & reliable.
13. Why primary data is more reliable than secondary data?
Primary data is more reliable than secondary data because it is collected from original sources by the researcher himself/herself.
14. What is sampling?
Is a process of selecting a smaller group or sample from a larger population to participate in a study.
15. What is census method?
In census method data is collected from each every unit of population.
16. Why census method is more expensive than sampling?
Census method is more expensive than sampling because in census data is collected from each of every unit of population.
17. Precaution in the use of secondary data.
- Data may not be reliable (Reliability of data)
- Data may not be suitable (Suitability of data)
- Data may not be enough (Adequacy of data)