Statistics for social work research

Discussed uses of statistics for Social Work Research

1. Statistics for Social Work Research Sachin B S Assistant Professor Department of Social Work Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies Bangalore

2. Definition of Statistics Statistics is the science and practice of developing human knowledge through the use of empirical data expressed in quantitative form. It is based on statistical theory which is a branch of applied mathematics. Within statistical theory, randomness and uncertainty are modeled by probability theory. (Wikipedia Encyclopaedia )

3. What is statistics? The collecting, summarizing, and analysing of data. The term also refers to raw numbers, or “stats”, and to the summarization of data. Example: Frequencies The science of counting The science of averages Statistics is the science of collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of numerical data "Statistics is the grammar of science.” Karl Pearson

4. Definitions “Statistics is the science of learning from data, and of measuring, controlling, and communicating uncertainty; and it thereby provides the navigation essential for controlling the course of scientific and societal advances ” ( Davidian and Louis, 2012 ) “Statistics is the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation and organization of data”. (Dodge, Y. (2006) The Oxford Dictionary of Statistical Terms)

5. Types of statistics Statistical methods can be used to summarize or describe a collection of data; this is called descriptive statistics . In addition, patterns in the data may be modeled in a way that accounts for randomness and uncertainty in the observations, and are then used to draw inferences about the process or population being studied; this is called inferential statistics.

6. Characteristics of Statistics Statistics means an aggregate of facts. Statistics are affected to a marked extent by multiplicity of causes. Statistics are numerically expressed. Statistics are enumerated or estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy. Statistics are collected in a systematic manner. Statistics are collected for a pre-determined purpose. Statistics are placed in relation to each other.

7. Functions of Statistics “Science without statistics bear no fruit; statistics without sciences has no root” It simplifies complexity of data. It reduces the bulk of the data. It adds precision to thinking. It helps in comparing different sets of figures. It guides in the formulation of policies and helps in planning. It indicates trends and tendencies. It helps in studying relationship between different factors.

8. Scope of statistics Now statistics holds a central position in almost every field like Industry, Commerce, Trade, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, Biology, Botany, Psychology, Astronomy, Information Technology etc…, so application of statistics is very wide.

9. Limitations of Statistics Statistics does not deal with qualitative data. Statistics does not deal with individual fact. Statistical inferences (conclusion) are not exact. Statistics can be misused. Common men cannot handle statistics properly.

10. Misuse and distrust in statistics Quoting figures without proper context. Comparing totally unrelated sets of figures. Quoting favorable figures only. Generalizing from part to whole.