What characterizes the coefficient of variation
During scientific research, manyface the variability of the trait under study in individual units of the aggregate, its oscillation with respect to a certain value, that is, with its variation. That's it, and it must be taken into account in order to obtain the most reliable information about the progress of a particular scientific research.
Most researchers, by making a definitioninterval of changing the value of a parameter, most often resort to absolute and relative indicators. Among the latter, the coefficient of variation was most widely used, which, in the case when the investigated quantity is characterized by a normal distribution, is a criterion for the homogeneity of the aggregate. This indicator allows us to determine what degree of dispersion the values of the investigated parameter will have without paying attention to the scale and unit of measurement.
The coefficient of variation can be calculated by dividingThe standard deviation by the average of the arithmetic value of the variable, expressed as a percentage. The result of this calculation can fall in the interval from zero to infinity, increasing as the variation of the sign increases. If the value obtained is less than 33.3%, the variation of the characteristic is weak. If more - strong. In the latter case, the studied data set is inhomogeneous, its average value is recognized as atypical, and therefore can not be a generalizing indicator. Therefore, for a given set, it is worthwhile to apply other indicators.
It should be noted that the coefficient of variation is notOnly characterizes the homogeneity of some aggregate, but it is also applied as a comparative estimate of it. For example, it is used if it is necessary to compare the dimensions of the oscillation of a feature in aggregates for which the calculated value of the mean value is different. In this case, the scatter of the obtained data does not allow an objective evaluation of the acquired value. The coefficient of variation characterizes the relative variability of the variable, and therefore can be a relative measure of the fluctuation of the value of the parameter being studied.
However, there are some limitations. In particular, it is possible to estimate the degree of fluctuation of the parameter values only for a specific feature and if the population has a certain composition. In this case, the equality of these indicators can indicate both a strong and a weak variation. This is in case the signs are different or the studies are conducted on different sets. Such a result is formed under the influence of very objective reasons, and this must be taken into account during the processing of the experimental data.
The coefficient of variation is widely usedwhen carrying out statistical processing of data in various branches of science and technology. Including, it is actively involved in the implementation of the assessment of fluctuations in the parameters in the economy and sociology. In this case, the application of the coefficient is made impossible if it is necessary to give an estimate of the variability of variables that are capable of changing their sign to the opposite. After all, as a result of calculations, incorrect values of this indicator will be obtained: either it will be very small, or it will have a negative sign. In the latter case, it is worth checking the correctness of the calculations performed.
Thus, it can be said that the coefficientVariance is a parameter that will allow you to estimate the degree of variation and the relative variability of the mean. The application of this indicator allows identifying the most significant factors, focusing on which will achieve the goals and solve the necessary tasks.
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