Periodicity

Definition: The schedule on which data are collected or reported.

What This Means: Periodicity is important because it defines when data must be collected and when data will be reported. Combine this concept with official data and an agency has a calendar of when its official statistics will be reported. Another aspect of periodicity is defining the timeframe or point in time represented by the data, e.g., from April 3 through May 14, as of October 1, quarterly, etc.

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