Comparative statistical analysis: features and problems

Subject. The article is devoted to topical problems of comparative statistical analysis. The authors of the article in their publications considered the issues of the place and role of statistics in society, the interpretation of statistical information, and the problems of inadequate statistics. This allowed them to consider the methodological issues of comparative statistical analysis. At the same time, comparison is understood as a specific technique that allows to identify the features inherent in a particular object. Goals. The methodological issues of comparative statistical analysis are considered: taking into account the specifics of the object under study; environment (background) analysis; clearly defined purpose of the statistical study; comparability in time and space; complexity and completeness of the display of the object of study; maximum degree of analytics. Methodology. Methods of theoretical research are applied in the form of generalization, comparison and special analytical procedures. Comparison is considered as a well-known method of research, which is used in different sciences. At the same time, the process of comparative statistical analysis is a complex and difficult to implement procedure. The article reveals the features and difficulties of applying comparative statistical analysis, which may arise in the analysis of quantitative data used by statistics to search for established proportions and patterns. Scope of the obtained results. The material can be useful when conducting a comparative statistical analysis and interpreting the results of economic and statistical studies, lecturing on the theory of statistics. Results. The article provides a review of the literature on the problems of comparative statistical analysis. The characteristic features of comparative statistical analysis are revealed, ignoring of which leads to incorrect perception and interpretation of the results obtained. This can lead to erroneous management decisions. The authors give examples of erroneous comparative analysis. An attempt has been made to understand the features and problems of applying methods and algorithms for a wide variety of territorial and temporal comparisons. Comprehensive recommendations on the use of comparative statistical analysis are presented. Conclusions. Comparative statistical analysis should take into account the specifics of the object under study; ensure comparability in time and space; complexity and completeness of the display of the object of study; maximum degree of analytics.