The analysis of how intensively and quickly changes over time occur is carried out using statistical indicators of dynamics. You can calculate them on a variable or on a constant comparison base. At the same time, the compared level is called "reporting", and the one with which they are compared is called "base." Statistical indicators include:
- rates of growth;
- growth rates;
- absolute growth;
- absolute values of one percent.
When calculating indicators on a permanent basis, each analyzed level is compared with a baseline. In the series of dynamics, the initial level or the moment from which the analysis of the phenomenon or process begins is chosen as such. For example, if the period from 2008 to 2013 is analyzed, then 2009-2013 is compared with 2008. The indicators that are calculated are called "basic".
Calculating indicators on a variable basis, each level is analyzed with the previous one (for example, in the period 2008-2013, 2009 is compared with 2008, 2010 - from 2009, etc.). The calculated indicators are called "chain".
The most important indicator of the series of dynamics is the absolute increase. It characterizes a change in the positive or negative side over a certain period of time. In a variable base, its change is called the "growth rate".
Accordingly, the absolute increase can be basic or chain. They are also interconnected: a set of consecutive chain indicators is equal to the baseline, which represents the total increase over a period of time.
To assess the intensity for a certain period, it is necessary to determine the growth rate (decline). It is defined as the relationship between the reporting and base levels. Growth rate is measured as a percentage. To determine the coefficient of this indicator, you need to translate its value into fractions of a unit. It shows what proportion the compared level is from the base or previous. The growth rate cannot be a negative number.
The basic growth rate for the entire period of time is a product of chain.
There is such an indicator as the rate of increase (or decrease), which shows the percentage difference between the levels. If the absolute increase is divided by the value of the level taken as the base, this value will be obtained. It can also be calculated by subtracting one from the growth rate of 100 or from the growth coefficient. It is measured in percent, and the coefficient in fractions of a unit. The latter can be both negative and positive, and equal to zero.
Behind these indicators is the absolute value of one percent of the growth — the absolute growth in relation to the growth rate over a certain period of time. This indicator is calculated as a percentage.
The characteristics considered allow us to compare the dynamics of developing and interrelated events over a fairly long period of time, as well as compare the dynamics of various phenomena by country, periods in history, etc. And it should be noted that to assess the development of processes and phenomena in time, it is necessary to study all these indicators together to form a complete picture.
