Frequency Distribution of a Continuous Variable

Frequency distribution refers to the arrangement of data values into different categories along with their corresponding frequencies. It helps in understanding the distribution of data and identifying patterns and trends within the dataset. When the data is continuous, it needs to be grouped into intervals or classes to form a frequency distribution. The frequency distribution of a continuous variable is commonly referred to as a grouped frequency distribution.

Grouped Frequency Distribution

A grouped frequency distribution is a type of frequency distribution that is used for continuous variables. In this type of distribution, the continuous variable is divided into intervals or classes, and the frequencies are calculated for each interval. The intervals are usually of equal width and are determined based on the range of the data and the desired level of detail.

Advantages of Grouped Frequency Distribution

Grouping the data into intervals provides several advantages:

1. Simplification: Grouping the data helps in reducing the complexity of the dataset, especially when dealing with large sample sizes. It allows for easier interpretation and analysis of the data.

2. Visualization: Grouping the data into intervals helps in creating a visual representation of the distribution through a histogram or a frequency polygon. This provides a clearer understanding of the data's shape and characteristics.

3. Smoothing: Grouping the data can help in reducing the impact of outliers or extreme values on the overall distribution. It provides a more balanced and representative view of the data.

Simple Frequency Distribution

While grouped frequency distribution is specifically used for continuous variables, a simple frequency distribution can be used for both continuous and discrete variables. In a simple frequency distribution, each unique value in the dataset is assigned a frequency. This type of distribution is more suitable for discrete variables where the values are distinct and separate.

Conclusion

The frequency distribution of a continuous variable is known as a grouped frequency distribution. It involves grouping the continuous variable into intervals and calculating the frequencies for each interval. On the other hand, a simple frequency distribution can be used for both continuous and discrete variables, where each unique value is assigned a frequency. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A'.