This dataset example describes a frequency distribution, or "frequency," for a categorical variable. A frequency distribution reports how many and what percentage of observations fall into each category for that variable. Frequency distributions are critical in quantitative data analysis because they are usually the first test a researcher will use to both explore their data and check for errors and extreme values. This example uses a subset of data from the Pew Research Centers Project for Excellence in Journalism News Coverage Index for 2012. Specifically, it presents a frequency of the format used for network and cable TV news stories aired on news shows from January through May of 2012. Understanding the formats TV news shows use to present stories is the first step in understanding how viewers understand and make use of news reports. The sample dataset used for this example has been cleaned and organized to make this example easier to follow. Interested readers should read the full documentation for the dataset before using it for research (http://www.journalism.org/datasets/2012-news-coverage-index-data-set/)
