Question 1

Calculate mean, median and mode from the following data. Class Interval Frequency 3-4 3 4-5 7 5-6 22 6-7 60 7-8 85 8-9 32 9-10 8 Calculate the coefficient of variation from the data given above.

Accepted Answer

In statistics, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and dispersion (coefficient of variation) are fundamental for understanding the characteristics of a dataset. This response calculates these measures for the given grouped frequency distribution, providing a comprehensive analysis of both its central value and its relative variability. The calculations adhere to the standard formulas for grouped data as taught in introductory statistics courses like BECM-163.

Question 2

Distinguish between sample survey and census. Describe the steps you would follow in collecting data though a sample survey. Prepare a small questionnaire for collection of income and expenditure levels of households.

Accepted Answer

As an expert IGNOU tutor, distinguishing between census and sample survey is fundamental for BECM-163 students, typically covered in Block 1, Unit 1. These are the two primary methods for collecting data about a population.

**Distinction Between Sample Survey and Census**

A **census** involves collecting data from *every single unit* of a defined population. For instance, a national population census like India's aims for complete enumeration. While providing highly accurate population paramet

Question 3

Describe the important properties of a standard normal variable. Find out the area under the standard normal curve for each of the following (use z-table). Sketch each one of them. (i) between z = - 0.43 and z = 0.78 (ii) between z = 0.44 and z = 1.50 (iii) to the right of z = - 1.33.

Accepted Answer

The standard normal variable is a fundamental concept in statistics, crucial for analyzing and comparing data from various normal distributions. It possesses distinct properties that simplify probability calculations and allow for the use of standard Z-tables. The following sections describe these properties and demonstrate how to calculate areas under its curve for different ranges, providing a practical understanding of its application.

Question 4

Fit a straight line (Y = a + bX) to the following data. Compare the estimated values of the dependent variable with its actual values. X 5 8 10 12 13 15 17 16 Y 8 12 14 10 13 16 14 17

Accepted Answer

Fitting a straight line, also known as linear regression, is a statistical method used to model the relationship between a dependent variable (Y) and an independent variable (X) as a straight line. The objective is to find the best-fitting line, Y = a + bX, that minimizes the sum of the squared differences between the observed Y values and the Y values predicted by the line.

This method is referred to as the 'method of least squares' and is a core concept in introductory statistics, as covered

Question 5

What are the steps that you should keep in mind while constructing a price index? What are the properties that an index number should fulfil?

Accepted Answer

Constructing a price index begins with defining its *purpose*, such as measuring consumer inflation or wholesale price changes. A *representative basket of commodities* is then selected, comprising goods and services significant to the index's scope.

Next, a suitable *base period* is chosen, ideally an economically stable year, to serve as the benchmark. Accurate *collection of prices* for all selected commodities from appropriate sources for both the base and current periods is crucial. For we

Question 6

Write short notes on the following in about 100 words each:

Accepted Answer

Answer available — download the full PDF for complete details.

Question 7

Differentiate between the following:

Accepted Answer

In the realm of statistics, particularly as covered in BECM-163 - Introductory Statistics, understanding core concepts is crucial for effective data analysis and inference. This response delineates the distinctions between fundamental concepts in sampling and hypothesis testing. Precise differentiation helps in applying these statistical tools correctly and interpreting their outcomes accurately.

We will now differentiate between Simple Random Sampling and Stratified Random Sampling, Type I and

BECM-163 Solved Assignment — January 2026 / July 2026

INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS | IGNOU Bachelor of Arts Economics (Honours) (BAECH)

BECM-163—January 2026 / July 2026

INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS

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BECM-163 Assignment Questions — January 2026

Q1. Calculate mean, median and mode from the following data. Class Interval Frequency 3-4 3 4-5 7 5-6 22 6-7 60 7-8 85 8-9 32 9-10 8 Calculate the coefficient of variation from the data given above.

Q2. Distinguish between sample survey and census. Describe the steps you would follow in collecting data though a sample survey. Prepare a small questionnaire for collection of income and expenditure levels of households.

Q3. Describe the important properties of a standard normal variable. Find out the area under the standard normal curve for each of the following (use z-table). Sketch each one of them. (i) between z = - 0.43 and z = 0.78 (ii) between z = 0.44 and z = 1.50 (iii) to the right of z = - 1.33.

Q4. Fit a straight line (Y = a + bX) to the following data. Compare the estimated values of the dependent variable with its actual values. X 5 8 10 12 13 15 17 16 Y 8 12 14 10 13 16 14 17

Q5. What are the steps that you should keep in mind while constructing a price index? What are the properties that an index number should fulfil?

Q6. Write short notes on the following in about 100 words each:

Q7. Differentiate between the following:

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