1.1 Data Handling

Data handling: Is a process of collecting data, classifying, organizing, summarizing, analyzing, representing and interpreting data.

Data refers to the information, a series of observations, measurements, facts; collecting and recording information for purposes of statistical investigation.

Qualitative versus Quantitative

Data can be qualitative or quantitative.

  • Qualitative data is descriptive information (it describes something
  • Quantitative data is numerical information (numbers)

  • Quantitative data can also be discrete or continuous:
  • Discrete data can only take certain values
  • Continuous data can take any value (within a range)

Data is limited to contexts related to the personal lives of learners, wider social issues and national and global issues.

These are scenario involving daily life, workplace and business environment, social, national and
global issues.

The statistical process is made up of inter-connected stages:

  • Developing questions
  • Collecting data
  • Classifying and Organising data
  • Summarising data
  • Representing data
  • Interpreting and Analysing data

It is important that learners understand the inter-connectedness of the statistical process and
that these processes are taught and assessed at related stages.

Engage the video below and respond to the popup questions
Video: Introduction to Data Handling

Lady Lu. (2020). Gr.12 Mathematical Literacy: Data Handling – this video gives a description of data handling.