Data Interpretation: Data Interpretation Methods and more

Data interpretation questions make up the majority of the Quantitative Aptitude portion of all of the country’s major competitive tests. In government exams such as SSC, Bank, RRB, and Insurance exams, approximately 10-15 questions based on data interpretation are asked. This is one topic that includes questions from a variety of themes.

Data Interpretation Methods

Data interpretation is a technique for analyzing and making sense of numerical data that must be collected, analyzed, and presented. When data is acquired, it is usually in a raw form that is difficult for the average person to comprehend, which is why analysts try to break down the information gathered so that others can understand it. 

Two methods of data interpretation are qualitative methods and quantitative methods.

Qualitative Method

This method is used for the analysis of the qualitative data, which is called categorical data. In this method, the text is used instead of numbers or patterns for the representation of the data.

This data first needs to be coded into numbers. This coding is also documented as it will help others in the future. Qualitative data are of two types ordinal and nominal. Both of the data types are performed using the same method. However, the interpretation of ordinal data is easier in comparison to the nominal data. 

Quantitative Method

This method is used for the analysis of quantitative data, which is called numerical data. This type includes numbers and can be analyzed with the help of numbers instead of text. They are divided into two main types such as continuous and discrete data. There are further two types of continuous data, namely interval data and ratio data. In this technique, this coding method is not required. In this, statistical techniques like mean, median, mode, standard deviation, etc., are used.

Data Interpretation – Types of Questions

Data interpretation difficulties can be posed in a variety of ways. Some of these are-

  1. Pie Chart
  2. Graph
  3. Tabular Format
  4. CASELET
  5. Line Graph

Bar Graph

A bar graph is a graphic representation of data on a graph in the form of bars or buildings. Data interpretation will be emphasized in banking exams such as SSC, IBPS PO, and IBPS clerk. In such tests, 3-4 questions on this topic are asked every year.

A bar graph is a visual representation of data in which each independent variable has only one discrete value. They’re utilized to represent a wide range of data.

One of the most used methods for presenting various sorts of data is the bar graph. It is frequently asked in competitive tests’ data interpretation portion. It is the display of data where the vertical bars are set at equal distances from each other in data interpretation. The height and length of the bars determine the value of the data represented. The width isn’t important in this case; it’s merely utilized to make the presentation more obvious. Different types of bar charts that are used for data representation include Composite Bar Graph, Simple Bar Graph, Bar charts to show deviation, Stacked bar chart.

Pie Chart

Different styles of data display include pie charts. This information is shown in the shape of a circle. A pie chart is divided into segments and sectors, with each segment and sector accounting for a specific percentage of the total (in terms of percentage). The total of all the data in the pie-chart equals 360 degrees. Proportionality is a formula for calculating the degree of angles used to represent various elements. The complete diagram in a pie chart resembles the numerous slices taken from the pie, and the components in it resemble the various slices sliced from the pie. The pie-chart is thus used to depict the decomposition of a continuous variable into its constituent parts.

Line Chart

The data interpretation starts with the questions from the line chart. They can be challenging because the question includes numerous graphs. However, by employing concepts and tactics, it can be made simple and straightforward to solve.

A line chart is simply a more advanced form of a bar chart. It’s made by joining the topmost points of the bars to make a line. We may make a line chart by repeating the method with other bars as well. The calculations may be difficult, but the examiner’s main goal is to see if you can use reasoning to eliminate choices and assess the graph to arrive at a solution.

CASELET

When it comes to data interpretation, there are a number of aspects to bear in mind. It is critical that you comprehend the information provided and how the information is linked. Before you attempt to answer the question, examine what you can deduce from the facts provided. A CASELET form is an example of a form that requires you to comprehend a large amount of data. Rather than a table or chart, you will be asked a question in the form of a paragraph. As a result, it’s critical that you retain the information. Different exams will have such types of questions.

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Tabular Form

In tabular form, one of the most basic methods for analyzing and displaying data is. You receive a systematic arrangement of rows and columns in the tabular form. The titles are indicated in the first column, and the same is indicated in the first row. It is a very accurate and simple means of displaying data. Although this is a straightforward procedure, it can be time-consuming. Some of the tips that can help you solve these types of questions are given below-

  1. Make sure you’re looking at the data in the correct column and row. Make every effort to double-check the facts.
  2. Take a look at the options before you answer the question. If they aren’t very close, attempt to solve them as rapidly as possible.
  3. This method can save a lot of time, and it’s especially useful when the possibilities aren’t that close. You must compute everything using this method by rounding up to ‘0’ as the last digit.
  4. While carefully reviewing the data, make certain that the units used are correct. This will come in handy when conversions are requested. A single ‘0’ can cause your answer to be incorrect.
  5. When you’re looking at the possibilities, keep in mind whether they’re expressed in percentages or decimals. This will assist you in answering the question. Finally, if you’re required to convert your answer, do so.

Web/Radar

Different types of inquiries are posed when interpreting data. Some are standard table-based missing data questions, while others are unconventional radar-based or bar graph-based questions. You can solve it in the same way you did the table-based problems. In this question, you will be shown a web-like diagram with various data shown on it. The information you’ve been given is in relation to the central point. Normally, two sets of data are presented to you in a comparison format in this type of inquiry. You can use this information to answer the questions. The spider-based structure is another name for the radar-based structure

Missing Data Interpretation

Questions on missing data are fairly common in competitive exams. These questions can be seen on practically every exam. As a result, it’s critical to comprehend them and learn how to solve them. These questions are only made in the form of a table. There will be some data missing from the database, and you will need to locate it. There will be inquiries about the missing data

Exams that contain the section on Data interpretation

There are various government exams in which the data interpretation questions are asked. Some of these have been given below, namely-

  1. SBI Clerk, SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS PO
  2. LIC ADO, LIC AAO
  3. UPSC
  4. BPSC
  5. KPSC
  6. MPSC
  7. SSC CHSL, SSC CGL, SSC MTS and many others

Conclusion 

We hope the article has given you the relevant information about Data Interpretation, methods of data interpretation, and exams that have questions about data interpretation. For any queries, contact us at Oliveboard.

FAQ

1. What are the different ways in which data interpretation questions can be asked?

Ans. Data interpretation difficulties can be posed in a variety of ways. Some of these are-
Pie Chart
Graph
Tabular Format
CASELET
Line Graph

2. What are the two methods of data interpretation?

Ans. Two methods of data interpretation are qualitative methods and quantitative methods.

3. What is the quantitative method of data interpretation?

Ans. This method is used for the analysis of quantitative data, which is called numerical data. This type includes numbers and can be analyzed with the help of numbers instead of text. 

4. What are the two types of continuous data?

Ans. There are two types of continuous data, namely interval data and ratio data.