3. Ways of displaying statistics

In this third lesson you will learn about different ways of displaying statistics. We begin by looking at the table, which is the most traditional method of representing statistical data. The lesson runs through the various components that should be included in every informative table. We then move on to the subject of statistical graphics, i.e. different types of statistical displays and how statistical data can be represented in these displays. We also cover the most common types of display: the bar graph, line graph, scatter plot and pie chart.

In order to ensure the accuracy of interpretation, it is important to assess the quality of statistics. In Finland there are established quality criteria for official statistics. These criteria are discussed in this lesson. Among other things, you will learn what is meant by the comparability and uniformity of statistics.

Finally, the lesson provides an overview of statistical indicators that can be used to examine broader phenomena on the basis of different statistical datasets, such as the labour market or the development of the information society.