Question

Smoothing a time series of observations A. is a form of statistical cheating. B. allows statisticians to use less data than would otherwise be required. C. renders the resultant forecast unusable. D. is used to reveal an underlying pattern in the data.

Answer 1

D. is used to reveal an underlying pattern in the data.

Explanation:

Smoothing a time series is achieved when a computer uses some pre-programmed calculation methods to remove noise from large volumes of data. Smoothing helps a user detect patterns in a set of data, thus making it possible to make future predictions. For example, smoothing can be used in the prediction of the rise and fall of stock prices. This helps the traders to have an idea of what to expect in the cost of trading.

Although smoothing reveals the patterns in a set of data, it provides no explanation as to why it is so. It is left to the researcher to draw conclusions as to the reasons for the patterns.