Difference Between Classification and Tabulation

Classification vs Tabulation

Both classification and tabulation are methods of summarizing data in statistics, which makes further analysis of data to draw inferences from the data. In this article, we will discuss in detail the two methods of summarizing the data and distinguish between classification and tabulation of data.

What is Classification of Data?

In statistics, classification is the process of separation of data into several classes or groups using properties in the data set. For example, the mathematics test results of a class can be separated into two groups using gender. Such a classification condenses the raw data into suitable forms for statistical analysis and removes complex data patterns and highlights the core representatives of the raw data. After classification, comparisons can be made, and inferences can be drawn. Classified data can also provide relationships or correlative data patterns.

Raw data are classified using four key characteristics, such as geographical, chronological, qualitative, and quantitative properties. Consider a data set gathered for analysis of income of workers around the world. For example, the income of an average worker can be classified based on the country of the worker, where geographic factor is the metric for classification. It can also be classified based on the chronological properties such as age of the worker. The profession of each worker also provides a qualitative base for classification and the salary ranges can be used as a quantitative base for classification.

What is Tabulation of Data?

In statistics, tabulation is a method of summarizing data, using a systematic arrangement of data into rows and columns. Tabulation is carried out with the intention of carrying out investigation, for comparison, to identify errors and omissions in data, to study a prevailing trend, to simplify the raw data, to use the space economically and use it as future reference.

Generally a statistical table has following components.

零件	Description
标题	标题is a brief and clear explanation of the contains of the table
Table Number	A number is assigned to a table for easy identification when many tables are included.
日期	日期of the creation of the table should be indicated
Row Designations	Each row of the table is given a brief name, usually provided in the first column. Such a name is known as a “stub”, and the column is known as the “stub column”
Column Headings	每一列是一个标题来解释nature of the figures included in each column. Such names are known as “captions” or “headings”.
Body of the table	Data is entered into the main body and should be created for easy identification of each data items. Numeric values are often ordered in either ascending or descending order.
Unit of Measurement	应指示表主体中值的测量单位。
Sources	表应为表格正面的数据提供主要和次要来源。
Footnotes and References	阐明表内容的添加细节。

Based on the purpose tables can be classified into three main categories.

What is the difference between Classification and Tabulation?

•在分类中，根据所有值共同的数据的属性进行分离和分组数据。

• In tabulation, data is arranged into columns and rows based on characteristics/properties, or indicators.

• Tabulation often emphasize on the presentation aspects of the data, while classification is used as a means of sorting of data for further analysis.