NCERT Class 11 Economics Statistics for Economics: Chapter 8 — INTRODUCTION
This chapter, "Introduction" from NCERT's Statistics for Economics textbook for Class 11, focuses on the practical application of statistical tools in economics. It outlines the steps involved in developing a project, starting with identifying a problem or area of study. The text emphasizes the importance of defining the objective to guide data collection, whether through primary or secondary methods. It details the choice of a target group, crucial for framing effective questionnaires and interview schedules. The chapter also touches upon data organization and presentation using tabulation and diagrams, referencing concepts from Chapters 3 and 4. Studying this chapter aims to familiarize students with project design steps and enable them to apply statistical tools for analyzing economic problems, enhancing their understanding of data analysis in real-world economic scenarios.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Economics |
| Book | Statistics for Economics |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — INTRODUCTION |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 654 |
Learning outcomes
- Familiarity with the steps in designing a statistical project.
- Understanding the importance of identifying a problem or area of study.
- Ability to choose appropriate data collection methods (primary/secondary).
- Skill in selecting and defining the target group for a study.
- Awareness of data organization and presentation techniques.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statistical tools | Methods and techniques used for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data. |
| Analysis | The process of breaking down a complex topic or substance into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. |
| Producer | A person or company that makes or supplies goods or services. |
| Consumer | A person who purchases goods and services for personal use. |
| Survey | An investigation of the opinions or experience of a group of people, based on a series of questions. |
| Project | An individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim. |
| Primary method | Collecting data directly from the source for the first time. |
| Secondary method | Using data that has already been collected by others. |
| Questionnaire | A set of printed or written questions with a choice of answers, devised for the purposes of a survey or statistical investigation. |
| Interview schedule | A list of questions prepared for an interview. |
| Target group | A specific group of people that a company or organization aims to reach with its products or services. |
| Tabulation | The arrangement of data in a tabular form, with rows and columns. |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- What is the first step in developing a statistical project? Answer: Identifying a problem or an area of study.
- Name two methods for collecting primary data. Answer: Questionnaire and interview schedule (via personal interviews, mailing, phone, email).
- Why is the choice of a target group important? Answer: It is important for framing appropriate questions for the questionnaire.
- When are secondary data usually used? Answer: Secondary data are used when there is a paucity of time, money, and manpower resources, and the information is easily available.
- What is the purpose of organizing and presenting data? Answer: To process the collected information and present it with the help of tabulation and suitable diagrams.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main objective of studying this chapter?
This chapter aims to familiarize students with the steps in designing a project and applying statistical tools in analyzing economic problems.
What are the two main methods of data collection discussed?
The chapter discusses the primary method (collecting new data) and the secondary method (using existing data).
What is a questionnaire and how is it used?
A questionnaire is a set of questions used to collect primary data, often through personal interviews, mail, phone, or email.
Why is defining the 'target group' crucial for a project?
Defining the target group helps in framing relevant questions and ensuring the data collected is appropriate for the study's objective.
What comes after data collection in a project?
After data collection, the data needs to be organized and presented using tabulation and suitable diagrams.
Can secondary data be used in projects?
Yes, secondary data can be used if it suits the requirement, especially when time, money, and manpower are limited.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Economics — Statistics for Economics — Chapter 8 — INTRODUCTION. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.