Numerical data are collected by posing a question about a countable or measurable attribute, identifying the items or people observed, and recording each value accurately with consistent units and labels. Data may consist of whole-number counts or simple measurements, including values to a specified unit or fractional unit, and can be organized in lists or frequency tables for later representation in graphs or line plots; formal sampling and statistical inference are not included.
To collect numerical data, follow these steps:
Example:
A class wants to know: How tall are our three classroom plants?
Step 1: Identify what to observe.
The items are Plant A, Plant B, and Plant C.
Step 2: Choose one unit.
Measure every plant in inches.
Step 3: Measure each plant.
Use a ruler and measure from the soil to the top of the plant.
Step 4: Record the data.
| Plant | Height |
|---|---|
| A | inches |
| B | inches |
| C | inches |
The collected numerical data are inches, inches, and inches. Each value has a label and uses the same unit, so the data are ready to organize or show in a graph.
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