The curve that is obtained by joining the middle top points of a rectangular bar graph with a straight line i… - DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Nursing Research & Statistic

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The question describes the exact method for constructing a frequency polygon from a histogram.
A frequency polygon is a line graph created by connecting the midpoints of the top of each bar in a histogram.
This method helps to visualize the shape and trend of the data distribution more clearly than a histogram alone.
The term 'rectangular bar graph' in the question refers to a histogram.

Option B: A pie diagram is a circular chart used to show proportions or percentages of a whole. It is not a line graph and is not derived from a histogram.
Option C: A histogram is the rectangular bar graph itself. The question asks what is formed by joining the points on top of the histogram, not what the bar graph is called.
Option D: A cumulative frequency curve, or ogive, is a line graph that plots the cumulative frequency against the upper class boundaries. It does not use the midpoints of the bars.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Graphical representation of statistical data as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing research and hospital administration, frequency polygons are used to analyze and compare data, such as tracking the number of hospital-acquired infections over time or comparing the age distribution of patients with a specific disease across different clinics.
Understanding how to interpret these graphs is essential for evidence-based practice, allowing nurses to quickly grasp data trends related to patient outcomes, resource utilization, and quality improvement initiatives.
What if? If the question asked for a graph to show the proportion of a nursing budget allocated to different departments (e.g., salaries, supplies, equipment), the correct answer would be a Pie Diagram, as it is ideal for showing parts of a whole.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question to identify the key descriptive terms: 'curve', 'joining middle top points', 'rectangular bar graph', and 'straight line'.
Recognize that a 'rectangular bar graph' used to display frequency distribution is another name for a histogram.
Recall the definitions of the different types of statistical graphs provided in the options.
Match the description in the question—joining the midpoints of the tops of histogram bars—to the correct definition.
Eliminate the other options based on their distinct construction methods and purposes: a pie diagram is circular, a histogram is the bar graph itself, and a cumulative frequency curve plots cumulative totals.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QM9tE85CTC7PvoOLMB3GS6

E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 2 pp. 127-129, 128-130

E6 NursingResearch Sukhpal Kaur p. 431-433