When reading a table for bivariate analysis that displays percentages of some attributes,what is the rule of thumb for reading the table?
A) if it adds up to 100% the statistics are accurate
B) if the table is percentaged down, read across and if the table is percentaged across, read down
C) if the table is percentaged down, read down and if the table is percentaged across, read across
D) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a table is percentaged down, it means the percentages are calculated within each row, and we should read across (from left to right) to compare the different attributes for a single variable. When a table is percentaged across, it means the percentages are calculated within each column, and we should read down (from top to bottom) to compare the different attributes for the second variable. This is important to avoid misinterpreting the results. Option A is not a rule of thumb for reading the table because percentages can be inaccurate even if they add up to 100%. Option C is incorrect because the instructions are reversed. Option D is not a valid answer because there is a rule of thumb for reading the table.

When Reading a Table for Bivariate Analysis That Displays Percentages