I.Com (Intermediate in Commerce) Statistics Syllabus

Statistics syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Statistics in I.Com (Intermediate in Commerce), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Introduction to Statistics

   3 topics

   • Meaning and Importance of Statistics
   • Uses and Limitations of Statistics
   • Types of Data
2. 2

   Collection and Presentation of Data

   3 topics

   • Sources of Data
   • Classification of Data
   • Tabulation of Data
3. 3

   Diagrammatic and Graphic Presentation

   3 topics

   • Bar Charts and Pie Charts
   • Histogram and Frequency Polygon
   • Ogive
4. 4

   Frequency Distribution

   3 topics

   • Construction of Frequency Distribution
   • Class Limits and Class Boundaries
   • Cumulative Frequency
5. 5

   Measures of Central Tendency

   4 topics

   • Arithmetic Mean
   • Median
   • Mode
   • Geometric and Harmonic Mean
6. 6

   Measures of Dispersion

   4 topics

   • Range and Quartile Deviation
   • Mean Deviation
   • Standard Deviation and Variance
   • Coefficient of Variation
7. 7

   Index Numbers

   3 topics

   • Meaning and Uses of Index Numbers
   • Simple and Weighted Index Numbers
   • Consumer Price Index
8. 8

   Elementary Probability

   3 topics

   • Basic Concepts of Probability
   • Laws of Probability
   • Permutations and Combinations

Statistics flashcards for I.Com (Intermediate in Commerce)

24 of 50 cards from the Statistics deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. Define Statistics (in the plural sense / as data).

   In the plural sense, Statistics means numerical facts or quantitative data collected systematically for a definite purpose, e.g. figures of population, prices or production.

2. Define Statistics in the singular sense (as a method/science).

   In the singular sense, Statistics is the science of collection, organization, presentation, analysis and interpretation of numerical data.

3. What are the main stages/functions of Statistics?

   Collection, organization (classification), presentation (tabulation/graphs), analysis, and interpretation of numerical data.

4. State four points showing the importance of Statistics.

   It simplifies complex data, helps in comparison, aids in forecasting/prediction, assists decision-making and policy formulation, and helps test hypotheses.

5. How is Statistics important in business and commerce?

   It helps in market analysis, demand forecasting, quality control, fixing prices, budgeting, and measuring business performance through numerical data.

6. List four main uses of Statistics.

   Used in economics and planning, business and commerce, government administration, banking and insurance, and research in natural and social sciences.

7. How is Statistics used in economics?

   To measure national income, study supply and demand, analyze prices and inflation, and formulate economic policies and plans.

8. State four limitations of Statistics.

   It studies only quantitative facts, deals with aggregates (not individuals), results are true only on average, it can be misused, and laws are not exact.

9. Why is it said that 'Statistics does not study individual items'?

   Because Statistics deals with aggregates or groups of data; a single isolated figure has little statistical meaning.

10. Why are statistical results said to be 'true only on average'?

    Because statistical laws hold for large numbers of observations and describe general tendencies, not exact behaviour of each individual item.

11. What are the two main types of data based on source?

    Primary data and Secondary data.

12. Define primary data.

    Primary data is original data collected first-hand by the investigator directly for the specific purpose of the enquiry.

13. Define secondary data.

    Secondary data is data that has already been collected, published or used by someone else, and is reused for a new study.

14. Give two examples of sources of secondary data.

    Government publications, newspapers and journals, research reports, official records, and websites/agencies like the Bureau of Statistics.

15. What are the main methods of collecting primary data?

    Direct personal investigation, indirect oral investigation, questionnaires/schedules, interviews, and information from correspondents/enumerators.

16. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data.

    Quantitative data is expressed numerically (e.g. height, income); qualitative data describes a quality or attribute (e.g. gender, colour, religion).

17. Distinguish between discrete and continuous data.

    Discrete data takes only separate whole values obtained by counting (e.g. number of children); continuous data can take any value within a range obtained by measurement (e.g. weight, height).

18. What is the difference between population and sample?

    A population is the entire group of items under study; a sample is a representative subset selected from the population.

19. Define classification of data.

    Classification is the process of arranging data into groups or classes according to their common characteristics or resemblances.

20. What are the four main bases of classification of data?

    Qualitative (by attribute), quantitative (by magnitude), geographical (by location), and chronological (by time).

21. What is chronological classification?

    Classification of data according to time, e.g. production figures arranged year by year or month by month.

22. What is geographical classification?

    Classification of data according to place, region or location, e.g. population of different provinces.

23. Define tabulation of data.

    Tabulation is the systematic arrangement of data into rows and columns of a table for easy comparison and analysis.

24. What are the main parts of a statistical table?

    Table number, title, stub (row headings), caption/box-head (column headings), body, head-note, and footnote/source note.

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