Meaning of statistics

Sarfraz Ahmad
Lecturer
Kohat University of Science & Technology

1. Meanings of Statistics

2. It is not a new discipline but it is as old as the human society , It has been used right from the existence of life on this earth, although the sphere of its utility was very much restricted . Meanings of Statistics

3. Meanings of Statistics In the olden days Statistics was regarded as the ‘ Science Statecraft ’ and was the by-product of the administrative activity of the state . The word Statistics seems to have been derived from the Latin word ‘ status ’ or the Italian word ‘ statista ’ or the German word ‘ statistik ’ or the French word ‘ statistique ’ each of which means a political state .

4. Meanings of Statistics The word statistics has three different meanings (sense) which are discussed below: (1)   Plural Sense  ( 2)   Singular Sense  ( 3)   Plural of the word “Statistic ”

5. Meanings of Statistics (1) Plural Sense: In plural sense, the word statistics refer to numerical facts and figures collected in a systematic manner with a definite purpose in any field of study . In plural sense, statistics is considered as a numerical description of quantitative aspect of things.

6. Meanings of Statistics (1) Plural Sense: Statistics are also aggregates of facts which are expressed in numerical form. Example , Statistics on industrial production, statistics or population growth of a country in different years etc .

7. Meanings of Statistics (2) Singular Sense : In singular sense, it refers to the science comprising methods which are used in collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of numerical data. A device which is employed for the purpose of collection, classification, presentation, comparison and interpretation of data.

8. Meanings of Statistics (2) Singular Sense : Devices help to simplify the complex data and make it possible for a common man to understand it without much difficulty . The purpose is to make the data simple, lucid and easy to be understood by a common man of mediocre intelligence.

9. Meanings of Statistics (2) Singular Sense : For Example:  If we want to have a study about the distribution of weights of students in a certain college . First of all, collect the information on the weights which may be obtained from the records of the college or we may collect from the students directly.

10. Meanings of Statistics (2) Singular Sense : The large number of weight figures will confuse the mind. In this situation we may arrange the weights in groups such as: “50 Kg to 60 Kg” “60 Kg to 70 Kg” and so on and find the number of students fall in each group. This step is called a presentation of data. We may still go further and compute the averages and some other measures which may give us complete description of the original data .

11. Meanings of Statistics (3) Plural of Word “Statistic”: The word statistics is used as the plural of the word “Statistic” which refers to a numerical quantity like mean , median , variance etc…, calculated from sample value . For Example :  If we select 15 student from a class of 80 students, measure their heights and find the average height. This average would be a statistic .

12. Definitions of Statistics

13. Definitions of Statistics It is a branch of  mathematics  dealing with the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of  data. Selligman maintained this view of the term ‘ statistics’ that it involves a procedure and a method from the primary stage to the final stage of analysis or conclusions etc.

14. Definitions of Statistics Turtle defines statistics as  “ the body of principles and techniques of collecting, classifying, presenting, comparing and interpreting quantitative data .” “Statistics is the science which deals with the classification and tabulation of numerical facts as the basis for explanation, description, and composition of phenomenon”. ( Lovitt )

15. Definitions of Statistics Statistics may be defined as the science of collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of numerical data. ( Croxton and Cowden ) The science and art of handling aggregate of facts – observing , enumeration, recording, classifying, and otherwise systematically treating them. ( Harlow )

16. Thank You