Histogram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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histogram
[หhษชstษหgrรฆm ]
Definition
data visualization
A histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of numerical data. It is a type of bar chart where each bar represents the frequency of data points within a specific range or interval. Histograms are commonly used in statistics to provide a visual interpretation of the underlying frequency distribution of a set of continuous data. They help to identify patterns such as skewness, bimodality, or outliers in the data.
Synonyms
bar chart, data plot, frequency distribution.
Examples of usage
- The researcher used a histogram to display the test scores.
- By examining the histogram, we could see the distribution of heights in the class.
- The sales data was represented in a histogram for better analysis.
- In the histogram, the tallest bar indicated the most frequent age group.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Statistics
- Histograms are used to display the distribution of numerical data and can help identify patterns, such as normal or skewed distributions.
- They differ from bar graphs in that they show data ranges (bins) for continuous variables, while bar graphs are for discrete categories.
- The shape of a histogram can reveal insights such as mode, outliers, and the spread of data.
Technology
- In digital imaging, histograms are used to analyze pixel brightness and contrast, aiding photographers in editing images.
- Software applications like Excel and R can generate histograms, making data visualization accessible to many users.
- Machine learning algorithms often use histograms to visualize feature distributions for model training.
Art and Design
- Artists use histogram-like concepts in visual art to understand balance and composition by analyzing color distributions.
- Some designers use data visualization techniques similar to histograms to enhance user experience in software applications.
- The aesthetic qualities of a histogram can influence its interpretation, just like in visual art.
Education
- Histograms are a common topic in statistics classes, introducing students to data representation and analysis skills.
- They help convey complex information simply, making them a valuable tool for teachers and students alike.
- Students often create histograms from real-life data, such as heights of classmates, enabling hands-on learning.
Origin of 'histogram'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'histogram' comes from the Greek word 'histos', meaning 'thing' or 'structure', and 'gram' meaning 'something written'.
- The term was first used in the late 19th century to represent data in visual forms.
- Early uses included statistical analysis of large datasets to aid in scientific research.
The term 'histogram' originates from the combination of the Greek words 'histos', meaning 'standing' or 'web', and 'gramma', meaning 'something written' or 'a letter'. The concept of histograms dates back to the early 19th century, when the need for a way to visually represent statistical data became apparent. The term itself began to be used in the 1880s. Early mathematicians and statisticians such as Karl Pearson were instrumental in the development of the histogram as a statistical tool. Over time, it became a standard method in data analysis and graphical representation, especially with the rise of computer technology that allowed for easier data collection and visualization. Today, histograms are a fundamental tool in statistics, essential for summarizing large sets of data and making interpretations more accessible.