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Ratios in the Social Sciences

In: Interpreting Economic and Social Data

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  • Othmar W. Winkler

    (Georgetown University, The McDonough School of Business)

Abstract

Besides the proper tabulation of aggregates, ratios are simple yet powerful tools of interpretation.1 The algebraic operation of division establishes a binary relationship between two numbers, to subdivide, but more importantly for statistics, to compare. The importance of ratios resides in the fact that a statistical aggregate is an artificial creation that has no counterpart in the perceptible world of human experience. Its informational content, the big picture of a socio-economic phenomenon can only be revealed through connecting a given statistical aggregate with other, similarly abstract creations, namely other statistical aggregates.

Suggested Citation

  • Othmar W. Winkler, 2009. "Ratios in the Social Sciences," Springer Books, in: Interpreting Economic and Social Data, chapter 0, pages 51-61, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-540-68721-4_4
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-68721-4_4
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