Search the internet for examples of how categorical data is

Search the internet for examples of how categorical data is used in the workplace. As a hint, type “categorical data\" followed by a topic of interest to you into the search engine. Carefully review the search results. Post a one- to two-paragraph summary of your results.

Solution

Categorical variables represent types of data which may be divided into groups. Examples of categorical variables are race, sex, age group, and educational level. While the latter two variables may also be considered in a numerical manner by using exact values for age and highest grade completed, it is often more informative to categorize such variables into a relatively small number of groups.

How can you find that out? Students may suggest that you count, that you ask all the students whose eyes are the same color to stand together in one part of the room, or that you make a graph. Listen carefully to their suggestions in order to learn what the students know about data collection and analysis. After the discussion, give students colored paper matching their eye colors and have them hold the colored paper in front of them as they form a human bar graph on a line in the room. Record the number of students in each category.