STA172 - STATISTICAL COMPUTING I

NDUKA, UCHENNA C. (Ph.D)

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA,

NIGERIA
1.1 Overview of Data Generation

▶ Data Generation - Data generation refers to the

process of creating, collecting, and assembling data
through various methods and techniques. It involves the
systematic gathering of information to build datasets that
can be used for analysis, research, decision-making, and
other purposes. The data generation process encompasses
activities such as data collection, recording, and storage,
and it plays a fundamental role in providing the raw
material for statistical analysis, machine learning, research
studies, and other data-driven applications.
Denition
▶ The goal of data generation is to produce accurate,
reliable, and relevant data that reects the characteristics
of the phenomenon being studied or observed. This
process involves choosing appropriate data collection
methods, ensuring data quality, handling ethical
considerations, and using tools and technologies to record
and store the data securely.
▶ Data generation is a critical step in the broader data
lifecycle, and the quality of generated data signicantly
inuences the validity and reliability of subsequent
analyses and conclusions. Researchers, scientists, and
practitioners in various elds rely on well-executed data
generation processes to obtain insights, make informed
decisions, and contribute to the advancement of
knowledge in their respective domains.
Importance of DG
▶ Importance of generating data for statistical
analysis
1. Basis for Analysis: Data serves as the foundation
for statistical analyses. Without appropriate and relevant
data, statistical techniques and methods have no input to
process.
2. Informed Decision-Making: Reliable data provides
the basis for making informed decisions. Statistical
analyses help extract patterns, trends, and relationships
from the data, assisting decision-makers in understanding
the implications of various choices.
3. Research and Exploration: Researchers use data
generation to explore hypotheses, test theories, and
contribute to the body of knowledge in their respective
elds. New data helps advance understanding and may
lead to the development of new models or insights.
Importance of DG
▶ 4. Quality Assurance: Data generation is a critical
aspect of ensuring data quality. Properly collected and
documented data contributes to the reliability and validity
of statistical analyses, reducing the likelihood of biased or
inaccurate results.
5. Predictive Modeling: Statistical analyses enable the
development of predictive models. By identifying patterns
and relationships within existing data, these models can
be applied to make predictions or forecasts in new
situations.
6.Performance Evaluation: In various elds, data
generation and subsequent statistical analysis are used to
evaluate the performance of systems, processes, or
interventions. This evaluation is essential for making
improvements and optimizing outcomes.
1.2 Table of Random Numbers

▶ Random numbers: Random numbers are a sequence of

numbers that lack any pattern, predictability, or order.
True randomness is often associated with natural
phenomena, such as atmospheric noise or radioactive
decay, but in computer science and statistics, random
numbers are typically generated using algorithms. These
algorithms, known as random number generators (RNGs),
produce sequences of numbers that mimic randomness,
although they are ultimately deterministic.
▶ A table of random numbers is a structured
arrangement of numbers devoid of any discernible pattern
or order.
▶ These tables are frequently employed in statistical
sampling, simulations, and other applications where a
source of unpredictability or randomness is necessary.
▶ Random numbers tables are particularly useful in
designing experiments, conducting surveys, and
implementing simulations that require a random and
unbiased selection process.
▶ The primary purpose of a table of random numbers is to
oer a systematic and impartial way of selecting values
for experimentation or analysis.
Example of RNT

Table: Table of Random Numbers

0.28999 0.07640 0.05954

0.67818 0.51647 0.82783
▶ 0.88404 0.56848 0.67874
0.51184 0.61581 0.43623
0.52828 0.91765 0.36030
▶ In this example, each cell of the table contains a random
number between 0 and 1. The numbers are generated
using a pseudorandom number generator.
Methods of using table of random numbers for

data generation

▶ Random Sampling: Use the table to randomly select

elements from a population. Assign each element a
unique identier, and use the random numbers to pick
samples without bias. This is useful in survey sampling or
experimental design.
▶ Random Assignment: For experimental studies, use
the table to randomly assign subjects to dierent
experimental conditions. This ensures that each
participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any
specic group.
1.3 Practical Exercise

▶ Consider the following set of data on sales in millions of

Naira

Table: Data on sales (in millions)

10 11 9 10 12 7 10 9
8 10 9 9 12 8 11 10
10 9 8 9 12 10 8 10
10 10 11 11 10 11 11 8
9 10 8 9 10 10 9 11
9 10 10 11 8 10 12 11
11 8 9 8 11 9 9 9
11 11 11 10 12 9 10 11
9 9 12 8 10 10 11 9
9 12 10 9 9 9 9 10
 Table: Data on sales (in millions)

10 9 11 9 9 9 11 9
10 7 11 11 10 10 11 8
10 9 9 10 12 11 10 10
8 9 8 14 11 12 10 11
12 8 14 10 9 10 10 9
8 10 10 8 8 9 12 12
11 11 8 10 12 9 9 11
9 10 10 8 10 11 10 10
12 9 10 10 10 10 11 8
11 11 10 11 10 8 9 11
9 10 12 11 10 12 11 11
12 11 10 11 8 10 11 12