Meaning of Tabulation : The process of presentation of classified data in tables to render it simple and concise, is called tabulation. It is an ordered/sequential arrangement of presenting data in rows and columns. “Tabulation” is an orderly arrangement of data in columns and rows, done systematically in a tabular form. It is the logical listing of related quantitative data in vertical columns and horizontal rows with explanatory and qualifying words, phrases and statements along with titles, headings and notes. lt is one of the old methods of presenting data in a condensed and readily comprehensible form.
According to Prof. Neiswanger : “A statistical table is a systematic organization of data in columns and rows.”
According to M.M.Blair : “Tabulation in its broadest sense is any orderly arrangement of data in columns and rows.”
According to Prof. H. Secrist : “Tables are a means of recording in permanent form the analysis that is made through classification and of placing in juxtaposition things that are similar and should be compared.”
Following are the objectives of tabulation :
- To Simplify Complex Data: Tabulation is a scientific process involving the presentation of classified data in an orderly manner. When data are tabulated, all unnecessary details and repetitions are avoided. Thus, data become simple and easily understandable.
- To Present the Data in a Minimum Space: It presents facts in minimum possible space and unnecessary repetitions and explanations are avoided. Moreover, the needed information can be easily located.
- To Facilitate the Data for a Comparative Study: Tabulation facilitates the comparison of data. The table is divided into various parts on the basis of rows and columns and their totals, sub-totals and grand totals are given in such a manner that data may be understood easily in comparative terms.
- To Clarify the Characteristics of Data: The headings and sub-headings of a table clarify the characteristics of data, which helps in the analysis of problems.
Following are the limitation of tabulation :
1. Only data are included under tabulation, while their description is not included. That’s why it is not possible to understand them easily.
2. It is not possible to present qualitative facts in tables.
3. While creating a table the data must also be created. This is the reason that its accuracy decreases.
4. Individual characteristics of data end in tabulation.
5. Tabulation is done only for special purpose. For this reason, it is not used successfully for other purposes.
6. The context of the summaries displayed due to limited space in the tabulation is often not clear.