RAPS-China

The RAPS tool includes statistical data in the form of original data and of normalized values with a mean of 0 (zero) and a standard deviation of 1. We believe this normalization is optimal for analyses that make comparisons across a wide range of data types (from absolute numbers, to proportions, per capita rates or growth rates).

However, you can also use the original data. In that case, you must take into account the different scales when calculating indices. As long as you use only per capita rates or proportions (with a maximum of 100%) there is no problem. But you obviously cannot mix variables measured in absolute numbers with per capita rates or proportions when you create a custom index. Therefore, we recommend to always use the normalized values, when calculating indices. Use the original data only if you want to produce a map or chart for one particular variable.