Would the "overall data trend" be the average data?
No.
Is the data increasing or decreasing?
When I think of overall data trend I'm not thinking average. I'm thinking that the numbers may increase (the trend is up) or the trend is down or the trend is not to change (or at least stay nearly the same).
I think my data is staying the same.
No, the "overall data trend" refers to the general direction or pattern that the data points follow over a certain period of time. It is not specifically related to the average of the data.
To determine the overall data trend, you need to analyze the data points and observe any consistent patterns such as increasing, decreasing, or staying stable over time. There are several methods you can use, depending on the nature of the data:
1. Line chart: Plot the data points on a graph and connect them with a line. By observing the slope of the line, you can identify if the data is trending upwards (positive slope), downwards (negative slope), or staying approximately constant (horizontal line).
2. Moving average: Calculate the average of a selected number of data points or time periods. By comparing the moving average values, you can determine if the trend is increasing or decreasing.
3. Trendline regression: Use statistical techniques to fit a trendline to the data, such as linear regression for linear trends or polynomial regression for more complex patterns. The equation of the trendline can indicate the overall direction of the trend.
Remember, determining the overall data trend requires analyzing the data and drawing conclusions based on the patterns observed. It is not simply the average value of the data.