InterviewSolution
This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 1. |
State the independent variable of time series,(a) yt(b) St(c) t(d) xt |
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Answer» Correct option is (c) t |
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| 2. |
What is a Historigram? /Name the graph of time series. |
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Answer» The graph of time series is called Historigram. |
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| 3. |
Which variation is shown in ‘decrease in the production of a company’ due to strike ?(a) Random(b) Trend(c) Seasonal(d) Cyclical |
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Answer» Correct option is (a) Random |
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| 4. |
How do you show the additive model of the time series ?(a) yt = Tt + St + Ct – Rt(b) yt = Tt + St + Ct + Rt(c) yt = Tt × St + Ct × Rt(d) yt = St + Ct + Rt |
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Answer» Correct option is (b) yt = Tt + St + Ct + Rt |
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| 5. |
Explain the method of fitting a linear equation to the given data using the method of least squares. |
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Answer» The data available in the form of time series {yt: t = 1, 2, …, n} are the bivariate data, where t is the independent variable and the variable quantity y is the dependent variable. From this data we have to obtain the linear trend that suits to the time series. According to linear regression model, we have to obtain the linear trend model yt = α + βt + ut, where t = 1, 2, …, n and ut is an error variable. According to the least squares method, we determine the values of the constants α and β in such a manner that the sum of the squares of error variable, i.e., Σe2 = Σ(yt – α – βt)2 is minimised. If ‘a’ and ‘b’ denote the estimated values of a and p respectively then ‘α’ and ‘β’ can be obtained by the following formulae: \(b =\frac{ nΣty−(Σt)(Σy)}{nΣt^2−(Σt)^2}\) and a = ȳ – bt̄ where, ȳ = \(\frac{Σy}{n}\); t̄ = \(\frac{Σt}{n}\); n = No. of observations We can obtain the estimates of trend values for all the terms of the time series by this method. If for the given time series there is no linear trend, this method is not useful. |
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| 6. |
Write a short note on seasonal component. |
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Answer» Seasonal component is short-term in nature and its effect is seen according to the seasons. The significant variations occured in the variable quantity of time series at fixed period of time in the year say winter, summer, monsoon. For example, a spurt in demand for woolen clothes in the winter, a spurt in the sale of ice-cream and cold drinks in the summer, increase in demand for umbrellas and raincoats in the monsoon, increase in the sale of readymade garments and footwears during the religions festivals, etc. are the illustration of seasonal fluctuation. From the study of seasonal component traders and manufacturers of seasonal goods plan for periodical stocks to take care of the demand of such goods. Generally, the duration of oscillation of seasonal fluctuations is of one year. The seasonal component is denoted by the symbol St. Generally the period of oscillation of seasonal component is less than a year. To study the seasonal component it is necessary to have the value of series in short-term. If the yearly values of the variable are available then it is not possible to obtain the information of seasonal component. |
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| 7. |
State the merits and limitations of the method of least squares. |
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Answer» The merits and limitations of the least squares method of fitting the linear trend are as follows: Merits:
Limitations:
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| 8. |
Discuss the limitations of the method of moving average. |
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Answer» The limitation of the method of moving average are as follows :
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| 9. |
Describe the method of moving average to find trend. |
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Answer» The method of moving average is very useful to find trend by eliminating the effect of short-term variations. The period of moving average : The short-term variation are usually regular and have repetition. The period of repetition of these variations can be found by observing the given time series. The average is found from the number of observations corresponding to this period which is known as the period of moving average. Since the average value lie in the centre, the values obtained by this method show the trend. Suppose the values of variable are y1, y2, …. yn corresponding to time t = 1, 2, …, n and the period of moving average is 3 years. Then the mean of first three observations y1, y2, y3 is found as \(\frac{y_1+y_2+y_3}{3}\) and it is written against the centre of these three observations which is y2. Further, the mean of successive three observation y2, y3, y4 is obtained and it written against y3. Similarly, finding successive moving total of three observations, averages are calculated. These average are called three yearly moving averages which indicate trend. The period of moving average not necessarily every time is year. It may be 5 days, 4 weeks, 7 months, etc. If time period of moving average is an even number say. 4, 6, … etc., then the process of finding moving average is to be done twice. Suppose, the period of moving average is 4 years. The four yearly successive averages \(\frac{y_1+y_2+y_3+y_4}{4} , \frac{y_2+y_3+y_4+y_5}{4}, \frac{y_3+y_4+y_5+y_6}{4} ……,\) are written between y2 and y3, y3 and y4, y4 and y5 …. respectively since, these averages are in between two years, the average of each pair of averages is found and written between two moving average. Thus, the average of the first two averages will be written against y3. The averages thus obtained are called as four yearly moving average. |
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| 10. |
When is the method of moving average more useful to find trend? |
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Answer» When the effect of short-term variations is to be eliminated to find trend, method of moving average is more useful. |
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| 11. |
State the merits of the method of moving average to measure trend. |
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Answer» The merits of the method of moving average to measure trend are as follows :
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| 12. |
What is semi-average method of measurement of trend? |
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Answer» The original values of time series are divided in to two equal parts (if odd number ignoring the middle value) and averages are calculated both the parts, are called semi averages the two points and extending the line which gives the trend of the time series. Actual values are plotted on a graph which is a history gram and by plotting the semi-averages on a graph joining the two points and extending the line which gives the trend of the time series. |
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| 13. |
Describe the graphical method to measure trend. |
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Answer» Suppose {yt: t = 1, 2, …, n} is a time series and n terms of the series are yt, y2, …, yn respectively. Taking the time t on X-axis and the term yt of the time series on Y-axis, the point (1, y1), (2, y2) … (n, yn) are plotted on the graph paper. Then points are joined by line segments. The graph so obtained is called the graph of the time series. A continuous curve passing from the viscinity of most of the points is drawn. The curve so obtained is called the trend line of the time series. This is the simple and crude method of determining the trend of the time series. This method is quite easy to understand. But the mathematical form of the trend cannot be obtained by this method. When the plotted points of the time series are widely scatter from one another, it is difficult to draw an unique curve representing the trend of the time series. In such a situation, more than one curve can be drawn representing the trend of the time series. As a result it becomes difficult to determine the trend of the time series. |
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| 14. |
Which method of finding trend is best to eliminate the effect of repetitive short-term variations ?(a) Graphical method(b) Method of least squares(c) Karl Pearson’s method(d) Method of moving average |
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Answer» Correct option is (d) Method of moving average |
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| 15. |
Let y = a+bx, if a = 25, b = 3.5 findy when x = 4. |
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Answer» By substituting a = 25, b = 3.5 and x = 4. we get y = 15 + 3.5 (4) = 25 + 14 = 39. |
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| 16. |
Which index is used for the measurement of seasonable variation? |
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Answer» Seasonal Indices are used for the measurement of seasonal variation. |
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| 17. |
The linear equation fitted using the data of 7 weeks for a variable y is ŷ = 25.1 – 1.3t. Estimate the value of y for the eighth week. |
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Answer» ŷ = 25.1 – 1.3t Hence, the estimate of y for the eighth week obtain is ŷ = 14.7. |
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| 18. |
In the analysis of time series the fitted Linear trend equation is y = 75.3 – 2.75x estimate trend value when x = 5. |
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Answer» By substituting the value of x = 5 in the equation. We get y = 75.3 – 2.75 (5) = 75.3 – 13.75 ∴ y = 61.55. |
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| 19. |
What do you mean by secular trend? |
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Answer» The term secular trend refer to the tendency of a variable to increase or decrease or to remain constant over a period of time. |
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| 20. |
Write the equation of parabolic trend in measuring the trend. |
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Answer» The second degree/parabolic trend/ equation is y = a + bx + cx2. |
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| 21. |
How does seasonal component differ from the cyclical component ? |
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Answer» Seasonal component and cyclical component differ in the following manner: The period of oscillation of seasonal component is usually less than a year, while it can be 2 to 10 years and in special circumstances it can also be 10 to 15 years. Seasonal component is the effect of natural factors and man-made factors, while cyclical component is the effect of economic situations and business cycles. The increase in the sales of readymade garments and shoes daring festivals is an example of seasonal component while the cycles of boom and recession are the examples of cyclical component. |
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| 22. |
What are the stages/Phases of a cyclical trend/Business cycle? |
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Answer» (1) Prosperity (2) Decline (3) Depression and (4) Improvement. |
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| 23. |
Give a difference between ‘cyclical’ and irregular variations in a time series. |
Answer»
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| 24. |
Give an example of cyclical variation in a time series. |
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Answer» Examples of Business and Economics such as price, sales, production etc. |
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| 25. |
What is meant by analysis of time series ? |
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Answer» The method to obtain the estimates of different components of a time series is called analysis of time series. |
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| 26. |
State the names of methods of measuring trend. |
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Answer» The methods of measuring trend are:
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| 27. |
The trend equation obtained from a time series from January 2016 to December 2016 is ŷ = 30.1 + 1.5 t. Find the value of trend for April 2016.(a) 30.1(b) 34.6(c) 36.1(d) 33.1 |
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Answer» Correct option is (c) 36.1 |
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| 28. |
Which component of the time series is impossible to predict ?(a) Random component(b) Trend(c) Seasonal component(d) Cyclical component |
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Answer» Correct option is (a) Random component |
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| 29. |
Which of the following variations are due to cyclical component ?(a) Rise in demand during winter(b) Decrease in the share prices due to recession in share market(c) Decrease in the agricultural produce due to excessive rains(d) Continuously decreasing death rate |
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Answer» (b) Decrease in the share prices due to recession in share market |
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| 30. |
Describe the additive model of time series. |
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Answer» The additive model of time series is as follows : yt = Tt + St + Ct + Rt Where, yt = Time variable; Tt = Trend; St = Seasonal component; Ct = Cyclical component; Rt = Random component. |
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| 31. |
With which components of a time series would you mainly associated each of the following?(a) Increase in money in circulation for the last 10 years (b) Rain fall in Bangalore that occurred for a week in December 2007. |
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Answer» (a) Secular trend (b) Irregular variations |
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| 32. |
Which components of time series are applicable in case of. |
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Answer» 1. Fire accident in a factory 2. Increase of woolen goods during winter 3. Fall in the death rate due to advances in Science 4. An era of Prosperity 5. An increase in employment during harvest season. – (1) Random, (2) Seasonal, (3) Secular, (4) Cyclical variations (5) Seasonal variation |
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| 33. |
Mention the components of time series. |
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Answer» The components of time series are: 1. Secular trend. 2. Seasonal trend. 3. Cyclical trend. 4. Irregular / Random Variations. |
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| 34. |
Additive Model of Time Series . |
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Answer» Additive Model of Time Series : = Tt + St + Ct + Rt
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| 35. |
Moving Average Method . |
Answer»
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| 36. |
Define time series/what is time-series? Give an example |
Answer»
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| 37. |
Write any merit and demerit of moving average methods. |
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Answer» The merit is it is simple and easy; Demerit is that, not all trend values can be obtained by this method. |
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| 38. |
Write down the equation for method of least square with the Normal equations. |
Answer»
na + bΣx = Σy; aΣx + bΣx2 = Σxy
y = a + bx + cx2 : Normal equations are: na + bΣx + cΣx2 = Σy; aΣx + bΣx2 + cΣ = Σxy ; aΣx2 + bΣx3 + cΣx4 = Σx2y. |
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| 39. |
What do you meant by trend? |
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Answer» Trend is the overall change taking place in the series of the data over a given period. |
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| 40. |
What do you mean by moving averages? |
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Answer» Moving averages are the averages obtained by finding the arithmetic means of successive values of the time series by taking say 3/4/5 years at a time by leaving the first and adding the next; this is to eliminate short-term variations/fluctuations that are present in the time series. |
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| 41. |
What is meant by trend of a time series ? Explain with an illustration. |
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Answer» Trend is an important component of a time series. It is the measure of permanent effect which prevails on the time series for a long period of time. Trend may be either increasing or decreasing or stable in terms of time. It represents the mathematical form and direction of variation taking place in the variable quantity yt of a given time series. It is denoted by the symbol yt’. Trend is the component obtained by eliminating the effect of short-term fluctuations (namely seasonal and cyclical) from the total fluctuations in the variable quantity of time series. In the time series of human population of any country the effect of trend is likely to be more pronounced than that of other components. From the study of trend of a time series we can predicate a value of yt of the time series for some future value of t or we can determine the missing value for some past value of t. Also two or more sets of time series data can be compared with the help of their trends. Important decisions concerning economic policy can be taken on the basis of the trend of time series of economic data. The estimate of the trend of time series can be obtained by the following two methods :
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| 42. |
Mention a merit and demerit of least square method. |
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Answer» It can be used for predicting future trend/Trend values can be obtained for all time points. |
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| 43. |
Mention the conditions to be followed in the method of least squares. /Principles of Method of least squares. |
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Answer» The sum of the deviations obtained from the actual and trend values is Zero ie. Σ(Y – Ȳ)= 0 and The sum of the squares of the deviations obtained from the actual and trend values is least. i.e., Σ(Y – Ȳ)2 is least. |
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| 44. |
Give any two uses of Analysis of Time Series. |
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Answer» Analysis of Time series helps to understand the past behavior of the data / to predict the future trend. |
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| 45. |
Name the methods of measurement of trend in time series. |
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Answer» 1. Method of moving averages and 2. Method of least squares. |
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| 46. |
State the uses of analysis of time series. |
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Answer» The analysis of time series is useful in trade, science, social and political fields as follows :
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| 47. |
What is a time series ? |
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Answer» A time series is a set of observation taken at specified time periods. |
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| 48. |
Mention any one of use of analysis of time series. |
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Answer» Analytical study of the time series will helps to predict / plan for future. |
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| 49. |
What is the notation to show the cyclical component of the time series ? |
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Answer» The notation to show the cyclical component of the time series is ‘Ct’. |
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| 50. |
What is meant by cyclical component ? |
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Answer» The variations occurring in the time series at approximately regular intervals of more than one year due to the effect of depression, recovery, boom, recession and business cycle are called cyclical variations known as cyclical component. It is denoted by ‘Ct‘. The oscillation period for cyclical component can be 2 to 10 years. In specific circumstances it can also be 10 to 15 years. |
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