What is Statistics?

the practice or science of collecting and analyzing numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of inferring proportions in a whole from those in a representative sample.
        Þ     In plural sense, statistics refers to quantative data, Statistics is the science of counting-Dr.A.L.Bowley
         Þ     Statistics is the collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of numerical data-Croxton and Cowden

         Þ     Statistics is a set of procedures and rules…for reducing large masses of data to manageable proportions and for allowing us to draw conclusions from those data”
         ÞStatisticians are key contributors to scientific methodologies. They use their quantitative knowledge to the design data collection schemes, process the data, analyze the data, and interpret the results. Further, statisticians often make critical evaluations on the reliability of data and whether inferences drawn from can be made confidently. They also help to identify misleading abuses of data that may be portraying an inaccurate account of a situation.
        Þ  Today, statistics has become an important tool in the work of many academic disciplines such as medicine, psychology, education, sociology, engineering and physics, just to name a few. Statistics is also important in many aspects of society such as business, industry and government. Because of the increasing use of statistics in so many areas of our lives, it has become very desirable to understand and practise statistical thinking. This is important even if you do not use statistical methods directly.

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