statistical analysis

Data Visualization Exercise: Halloween Trends & Expenditures

As part of my Introductory Statistics class at UC Berkeley, I analyzed descriptive statistics related to Halloween trends using data visualization techniques in both Excel and Google Sheets. The analysis includes three key activities: tracking trick-or-treating trends, visualizing annual Halloween expenditures, and examining category-wise Halloween spending in 2018.

Section 1: Trick-or-Treaters Trend Analysis

Objective

To analyze the trends in cumulative trick-or-treaters visiting a single household over Halloween day from 2008 to 2018.

Methodology

1. Downloaded and opened the dataset "lab5data_Halloween.xlsx".

2. Used Table 1 data to create a PivotTable in Excel/Google Sheets.

3. Set Year as Rows and Time of Day as Values.

4. Created a line graph using PivotChart to visualize trends.

5. Titled the chart: "Annual Trick-or-Treat Visitors by the Time of the Day".

Analysis

• 2011 recorded the highest number of visitors, peaking at around 850 trick-or-treaters.

• 2016 had a peak of about 800 visitors.

• 2013 saw the lowest total visitors at 8:15 PM.

• Costume-related visits remained low across the years at 6:00 PM, with minor exceptions in 2013 and 2017.

Section 2: Annual Halloween Expenditures (Bar Graph)

Objective

To visualize annual Halloween expenditures in the U.S. from 2006 to 2018 using a bar graph.

Methodology

1. Used Table 2 data to create a PivotTable.

2. Created a horizontal bar graph via Insert > PivotChart > Bar.

3. Added an appropriate chart title.

Analysis

• Halloween expenditures have generally increased over the years.

• 2017 recorded the highest spending at approximately $9 billion.

• Election years tend to see a spending increase, e.g.,:

  • From 2015 (non-election year) to 2016, spending jumped by $3 billion.

  • From 2011 to 2012, spending increased by $1 billion.

Section 3: Halloween Expenditures by Item (Pie Chart)

Objective

To analyze Halloween expenditures in 2018 based on spending categories.

Methodology

1. Used Table 3 data to create a pie chart.

2. Displayed data points for each slice.

3. Added an appropriate chart title.

Analysis

• Costumes accounted for the largest expenditure:

  • Adult, child, and pet costumes together made up 36% of total spending.

• Decorations ranked second, followed by candy.

• Spending on decorations slightly exceeded candy, likely due to the higher cost of decorations despite their lower frequency of purchase.

Section 4: Conclusion

Conclusion

This analysis highlights significant trends in trick-or-treating behaviors and Halloween spending. The insights suggest a steady increase in expenditures over time, with notable peaks around election years. Additionally, spending priorities emphasize costumes and decorations over other items.

Reference

Shaffer, J. A. (Data Source). Trick-or-Treaters Count Dataset, University of Cincinnati.