ABSTRACT

There are three main types of data covered in primary schools. The most suitable type of analysis and presentation depends on the type of data. Categorical data are grouped into categories or classes and the number in each class counted. For example, the colour of the children's hair, the way they come to school, their favourite food are all categorical data. Depending on the nature of the data and the organisation of the data collection sheet, it may be advisable to reorganise the data. For example, if the lengths of the children's feet have been measured, then it is necessary to decide on suitable class intervals and to count how many fall in each class. Line graphs are only suitable for continuous data and if the interpolated line makes sense. For example, if the temperature were only recorded at, say, one-hour intervals during a day, it is reasonable to suppose that the temperature would pass through all the intermediate values.