Trend analysis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The term "trend analysis" refers to the concept of collecting information and attempting to spot a pattern, or trend, in the information. In some fields of study, the term "trend analysis" has more formally-defined meanings. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Although trend analysis is often used to predict future events, it could be used to estimate uncertain events in the past, such as how many ancient kings probably ruled between two dates, based on data such as the average years which other known kings reigned.

[edit] History

The term "trend analysis" has a history spanning many years.

Today, trend analysis often refers to the science of studying changes in social patterns, including fashion, technology and the consumer behavior.

[edit] See also

• Trend estimation
• Technology forecasting
• Weather forecasting
• regression analysis
• extrapolation

[edit] Notes

1. ^ "Trend analysis Definition" (2005), WebFinance, Inc., web: Investor-TA: defined as: a comparative analysis of a company's financial ratios over time.
2. ^ "SETA :: Office of Social & Economic Trend Analysis" (2006), Iowa State University (IAstate), web: SETA-TA.
3. ^ "Public Attitudes on Higher Education - A Trend Analysis, 1993 to 2003" (February 2004), John Immerwahr (Senior Research Fellow), Public Agenda (HigherEducation.org), web: HighEduc.