DECA Sports and Entertainment Marketing Practice Exam

What is a frequency table used for in data analysis?

1. A table that shows the average of a data set

2. A table that summarizes qualitative data

3. A table that shows how often each value in a set occurs

4. A table that lists all variables in an experiment

The correct answer is: A table that shows how often each value in a set occurs

A frequency table is specifically designed to show how often each unique value appears in a data set. This allows for a clear visualization of where data points cluster and identifies patterns or trends in the data. The primary function of a frequency table is to facilitate the understanding of data distributions by organizing and summarizing counts of occurrences for each value. In contrast, while some options might seem related, they focus on different aspects of data analysis. For instance, calculating averages pertains to measures of central tendency rather than frequency, which is why it isn't correct in this context. Summarizing qualitative data implies categorizing responses or characteristics but doesn’t directly address the counting of occurrences, which is the essence of a frequency table. Listing all variables in an experiment deals with the components of the research design rather than the analysis of data frequencies, which again diverges from the purpose of a frequency table. Thus, option C accurately encapsulates the role of a frequency table in data analysis.