Difference Between Classification and Tabulation (With Table)

After the process of collecting data is done it then needs to be examined. At this stage the data is raw and for it to be ready for analysis it needs to go through a process of editing.

After editing, the data needs to be coded carefully after the data has been coded the data needs to be classified then the data needs to be tabulated where we represent them in tables consisting of rows and columns.

For an average person classification and tabulation may seem similar but in reality, they are not the same. Classification means to arrange data in a group whereas tabulation is used to represent data in rows and columns.

Comparison Table Between Classification and Tabulation

What is Classification?

Classification can be explained as the process where the data are being judged based on their characteristics and behavior which is later organized in different groups and subgroups.

Classification helps remove any details from the data which are not important and after the data has undergone the classification process it makes it easier to analyze it.

In the primary stage when data is collected those data are raw. It is very hard for us to interpret and analyze raw data.

Think of raw data as a picture that has a lot of noise in it and to get rid of that noise we go through several processes and among them one of the processes is known as classification.

So, basically, classification helps remove unnecessary details from the raw data so it is easier to analyze the data.

There are four types of classification:

1. Qualitative Classification: It is also known as ordinal classification. Here, the data are categorized under characteristics that are qualitative such as beauty, honesty, etc.
2. Quantitative Classification: As per the name suggests this is based on characteristics that are quantifiable such as income, profit, height, etc.
3. Geographical Classification: In geographical classification, the data are categorized based on geographical characteristics such as countries, cities, districts, etc.
4. Chronological Classification: In chronological classification, the data are categorized based on chronological characteristics such as time, population, sales, etc.

What is Tabulation?

Tabulation of data occurs after the data has gone through classification. After data classification is over, those data are represented in a tabular form which can be called tables. Tables are made up of various numbers of rows and columns.

In tables, rows are arranged horizontally and columns are arranged vertically.

We use the method of tabulation so that we can present data in a more organized way so the interpretation of data can be made easier and analysis or comparison of data can be done much swiftly. 

There are three types of tabulation:

1. Simple Tabulation: It can also be called a One-way tabulation. This happens when the tabulation of data is done based on only one individual characteristic. For example: Tabulating the data based on only one characteristic like height, weight, religion, etc.
2. Double Tabulation: It is also known as two-way tabulation. This happens when the tabulation of data is done based on two characteristics. For example: Tabulating the based on two characteristics like height and weight etc.
3. Complex Tabulation: When the tabulation of data is done based on two or more characteristics. For example: Tabulating the data on height, weight, and age, etc.

There are some guidelines that need to be followed in order for us to tabulate data. They are:

1. Each table needs to have a unique number and a title. The title is given to a table to help us understand the data it presents.
2. Each table that is being used for tabulation purposes can be broken down into four fragments. The fragment where the title of the table is inserted can be called Box Head. On the left-hand side of the table where descriptions of rows are given, it is known as a stub and the body contains all the other data that are inserted in the table.
3.  The width and length should be in balance with each other to form a table.
4. Present the data in a way so it is easier to analyze and easier for us to compare. There should also be footnotes that explain from where the data has originally originated from.

Main Differences Between Classification and Tabulation

1. Classification is the method of organizing data into various groups based on their traits or specialty. Tabulation is where the data are presented in a table so that it is easier for us to understand and analyze the data.
2. Classification happens when the data has gone through the data collection phase whereas tabulation happens after the data classification process.
3. Data is classified based on their characteristics whereas tabulation is where data are presented in tables consisting of rows and columns.
4. Classification is done so that it is easier for us to analyze the raw data whereas tabulation is done to present the data.
5. Data are divided into various groups in classification whereas in tabulation the data is arranged based on different headings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Classification and Tabulation

What are the methods of Classification?

a) Qualitative Classification
Classification carried out on the basis of attributes that cannot be measured numerically is known as qualitative classification.
A qualitative attribute is something that can be acknowledged and differentiated either as being present or absent.
Also, these kinds of attributes are sometimes descriptive in character. Examples of qualitative attributes are gender, religion, color, intelligence, etc.
b) Quantitative Classification
Classification carried out on the basis of variables that can be measured numerically is known as quantitative classification.

What is Quantitative Classification?

Classification of data that can be expressed and measured numerically is known as quantitative classification.

It is the classification of variable data represented in the form of figures and numbers. For example, classification of price, expenditure, income, etc is quantitative in nature.

What are the main objectives of tabulation?

The main objectives of tabulation are:
a) To simplify raw and complex data into an easily readable format by sorting them into rows and columns.
b) To create a compact classification by including necessary details and discarding unwanted information.
c) To enable comparative study and statistical analysis of data. This would help analysts to identify hidden trends and patterns.

What are the main parts of a table?

The main parts of a table are table number, title, caption, stub heads (row heads), column heads, body (cells), headnote (details about the unit of measurements), and footnote.

What are the objectives and advantages of tabulation?

The objectives and advantages of tabulation are:
a) It converts bulk data into a compact table by classifying values into appropriate categories and sections. Thus, it helps in the presentation of raw data in a simplified format.
b) Tabulation is essential for quick reference and comparison of data that spans over several years or has multiple variables.
c) Tabulation helps data analysts in computing values like averages, correlation, and dispersion. The process helps in identifying various trends followed by different variables.

What are the advantages of the tabulation method over K Map?

When compared to K map, tabulation is more efficient when it comes to recognizing patterns in a complex set of data.

Also, the tabulation method facilitates the easy processing of data using computer applications.

Conclusion

Classification and Tabulation are important for the representation of data in a way that makes it easier for us to read, analyze and compare them against other data.

Both classification and tabulation are very important in statistics.

References

1. https://homework1.com/statistics-homework-help/types-of-classification/
2. https://www.emathzone.com/tutorials/basic-statistics/tabulation-of-data.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2329462/pdf/pubhealthpap00029-0488.pdf