Tabulation | IBPS PO Prelims & Mains Preparation - Bank Exams PDF Download

Introduction

• Tabulation is a method of presenting numeric data in rows and columns in a logical and systematic manner to aid comparison and statistical analysis. It allows for easier comparison by putting relevant data closer together, and it aids in statistical analysis and interpretation.
• Tabulation, in other terms, is the process of arranging organised data into a tabular format.  
• Depending on the nature of the classification, it might be complicated, double, or simple.
• The goal of a tabulation chart/data is to present a significant amount of complicated data in a systematic way that allows readers to derive logical conclusions and interpretations from it.

Types of Tabulations

Tabulation may be divided into two types: simple tabulation and complex tabulation.

Simple Tabulation or One-way Tabulation

• It’s called a simple tabulation or one-way tabulation when the data is tabulated to only one aspect.
• A simple tabulation is, for example, the tabulation of statistics on the world’s population separated by a single attribute such as language.

Double Tabulation or Two-way Tabulation

• A double tabulation, also known as a two-way tabulation, occurs when data is tallied using two characters at a time.
• Consider the following scenario: 
  • A table must depict the population to be analysed in terms of the total number of males and females in various Indian states.

Three-way Tabulation

• Three-way charts, like the previously described type, display data from three mutually dependent and connected subjects.
• Let’s take the same example from before and expand on it with the new category in the database. Now we need to know where each state is in terms of literacy among men and women. In a three-way table, the tabulation for such categories must be laid out.

Complex Tabulation

• A complicated tabulation is one in which the data are tabulated according to several variables.
• A complicated tabulation, for example, is one in which data on the world’s population is separated into three or more variables such as religion, language, literacy, gender, and so on.

Rules of Tabulation

There are a few general guidelines that must be observed while designing tables, which are listed below:

• All of the tables should be self-explanatory, while footnotes are a part of tables, they should not be required to clarify the meaning of the data in a table
• If the amount of data is significant, it is preferable to divide it into numerous tables rather than a single one
• Each table design, on the other hand, should be comprehensive in and of itself, as well as serving the analysis’s aim
• To show data in a quick and simple way, the number of rows and columns should be limited to a minimum
• Wherever necessary, data should be approximated before tabulating
• Stubs and titles should be self-explanatory and should not require the use of footnotes in order to be understood
• If specific circumstances of acquired data cannot be tabulated under any stub or caption, they should be put in a separate table with the heading miscellaneous
• When generating a table, the quantity and quality of data should never be compromised

Objectives of Tabulation

Tabulation is a technique for bridging the gap between data gathering and analysis. The following are the key tabulation goals:

• For the Purpose of Data Simplification
  The volume of raw data is reduced and displayed in a much more basic manner when any information is tabulated. This makes previously difficult data easier to comprehend and analyse.
• To Draw Attention to Important Information
  When you show data in a tabular style, you have more opportunities to emphasise critical details. Because the information is presented in a simple manner without any written explanation, any important information is immediately highlighted.
• To Make Comparisons Easier
  When data is displayed in rows and columns in an organised manner, it is simpler to compare them using a variety of factors. When data is displayed in a table, it is simpler to discern the month when a country receives the most quantity of rainfall. Otherwise, there is always the possibility of making a mistake when it comes to accurately processing the data.
• To Assist with Data Statistical Analysis
  Statistical analysis include calculating data correlation, average, dispersion, and other metrics. Statistical analysis is much easier when data is presented in a table in an organised manner.
• Conserves space 
  Even though it may not appear to be as significant as the other tabulation goals, reducing space without losing data quality can be immensely beneficial in the long term. A table also aids in the presentation of data in a far more compact manner than pages and pages of text.

Tabulation Method

• Data tabulation can be done manually or with the help of a computer. Frequently, the cost, kind, and scope of the study, as well as other factors, influence data tabulation.
• The responses are kept in numeric form if tabulation is done on a computer. In the event of manual tabulation, however, lists, tally, card sort, and count procedures can be used.

The following are the methods:

• Tally Method (Direct)
  The codes are first typed down on tally sheets in this approach. The solution is then indicated by a stroke on the codes. The fifth response is displayed after each fourth stroke code by drawing a horizontal or diagonal line within the stroke.
• Card Sort and Count Method
  The data is entered on cards of various dimensions and shapes with the use of a series of holes in this approach, which is arguably the most successful hand tabulation method. Following that, the cards in each category are sorted and numbered, and their frequency is recorded.
• List and Tally Method 
  A huge number of applications are listed in one sheet using this manner. After that, the answers to each question are placed into rows, and the code for each question is detailed in columns.