MODE (MEASURE OF CENTRAL TENDENCY) STATISTICS FOR GCE O LEVELS/IGCSE

The mode is defined as the value which occurs most frequently in a set of data that is indicating the most common result.

Example: find the mode of the following set of numbers. 146, 167, 164, 157, 171, 167, 182, 197.

Mode = 167

Solution:

MODE FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION EXAMPLE

Class Intervals	Frequency
10-14	2
15-19	8
20-24	20
25-29	15
30-34	3
35-39	6

Modal Class is 20-24

ADVANTAGES OF MODE

1. It is simply defined and easily calculated. It is very easy to locate.
2. It is not affected by large or small observations.
3. It can be determined for both the qualitative and quantitative data.
4. It is capable of being ascertained graphically

DISADVANTAGES OF MODE

1. It represents the most frequent value and hence it is very often in practice. The arrangement of data is not necessary.
2. It is not based on all observations made.
3. It is often indeterminate and indefinite.
4. It is not capable of lending itself to further statistical treatment. • It cannot be subjected to algebraic treatments.
5. It is used for the study of most popular fashions.
6. It is extremely used by businessmen and commercial managements.

In histogram, frequency curve or polygon, the mode can be located easily. Class interval/boundary with highest frequency is the mode.

EXAMPLE WORKING THROUGH GRAPH

STATISTICS O LEVEL TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

INTRODUCTION

The word statistics which comes from a Latin word status meaning political state . The word statistics is defined as a disciplined that includes procedures and techniques used to collect, process and analyses numerical data to make inferences and reach to decisions in the face of uncertainty.

IMPORTANCE OF STATISTICS

1. Statistics assist in summarizing the larger set of data in a form that is easily understandable.
2. Statistics assists in the different stages of labrotary and field experiments as well as surveys.
3. Statistics assists in drawing general conclusions and in making prediction of how much of a thing will happen under given conditions.
4. Statistical technique being powerful tools for analysing numerical data are used in almost every branch of learning.
5. A business man, an industrialist and research worker all employs statistical methods in their work
6. Social scientist also uses statistical methods in various areas of socio economic life of a nation.

DATA

Collection of fact and figures in raw form is called data.

QUALITATIVE DATA

Those variables which cannot be expressed numerically for example beauty, satisfaction etc.

QUANTITATIVE DATA

Those variables which can be expressed numerically such as age, weight and population etc. for example 30 kg weight, this is numeric data.

DISCRETE VARIABLES

Variables that can take only discrete integers or whole number not decimal number. For example ( 1, 2 , 3 ,4). Number of students in the class.

CONTINOUS VARIABLES

Those variables that can take on any value fractional/decimal with in given interval. For example height of the students.

DISCRETE QUANTITATIVE DATA

Number of trees in a park

Number of students in the college.

DISCRETE QUALITATIVE DATA

Number of intelligent students in the class

Number of White cars in the car park.

CONTINOUS QUANTITATIVE DATA

Weight of the student

Length of trees in a park.

CONTINOUS QUALITATIVE DATA

Tallest tree in the jungle

Highest peak of the mountain.