When working with a very small number of cases, it is usually preferable to report
A) actual frequencies.
B) percentages.
C) proportions.
D) fractions.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A) actual frequencies.
When working with a very small number of cases, it is generally preferable to report actual frequencies. Actual frequencies refer to the raw count or number of occurrences of a specific event, which gives a clear and accurate picture of the data in a small sample. Reporting actual frequencies in this case helps avoid the distortion or misinterpretation that can occur when percentages, proportions, or fractions are used with small numbers.
For example, if you are studying the number of rare diseases in a population of only 10 people, saying that 2 people are affected would be clearer than stating that 20% are affected, which might give a misleading sense of scale. Percentages and proportions can be misleading in small sample sizes because they exaggerate the significance of the data. In a small sample, a single occurrence of an event can dramatically alter the percentage, making it seem more significant than it actually is.
Reporting actual frequencies also makes it easier for others to interpret the data, especially when the sample size is so small that calculations involving percentages or fractions would make the data seem more generalizable than it truly is. This is particularly important in clinical or research settings where accuracy and transparency are crucial.
In contrast, percentages and proportions are more useful when dealing with larger datasets because they allow for easier comparison across different samples, but in cases with small numbers, they can obscure important details and create misleading conclusions. Therefore, actual frequencies provide the most reliable and transparent way to report results in such scenarios.