Dr. Anjali Prasad Topic:-Defination of statstics.
Department of Economics Class:-BA Part 3 Hons.
TPS College, Patna
Meaning and Definition of Statistics
Meaning:
“Statistics”, that a word is often used, has been derived from the Latin word
‘Status’ that means a group of numbers or figures; those represent some
information of our human interest.
We find statistics in everyday life, such as in books or other information papers or
TV or newspapers.
Although, in the beginning it was used by Kings only for collecting information
about states and other information which was needed about their people, their
number, revenue of the state etc.
But now-a-days due to its pervading nature, its scope has increased and widened.
It is now used in almost in all the fields of human knowledge and skills like
Business, Commerce, Economics, Social Sciences, Politics, Planning, Medicine
and other sciences, Physical as well as Natural.
Definition:
The term ‘Statistics’ has been defined in two senses, i.e. in Singular and in Plural
sense.
“Statistics has two meanings, as in plural sense and in singular sense”.
A. In the Plural Sense:
“Statistics are numerical statements of facts in any department of enquiry placed
in relation to each other.” —A.L. Bowley
B. In the Singular Sense:
“Statistics refers to the body of technique or methodology, which has been
developed for the collection, presentation and analysis of quantitative data and
for the use of such data in decision making.” —Ncttor and Washerman
“Statistics may rightly be called the science of averages.” —Bowleg
“Statistics may be defined as the collection, presentation, analysis, and
interpretation of numerical data.” —Croxton and Cowden
Stages of Investigations:
1. Collection of Data:
It is the first stage of investigation and is regarding collection of data. It is
determined that which method of collection is needed in this problem and then
data are collected.
2. Organisation of Data:
It is second stage. The data are simplified and made comparative and are
classified according to time and place.
3. Presentation of Data:
In this third stage, organised data are made simple and attractive. These are
presented in the form of tables diagrams and graphs.
4. Analysis of Data:
Forth stage of investigation is analysis. To get correct results, analysis is
necessary. It is often undertaken using Measures of central tendencies, Measures
of dispersion, correlation, regression and interpolation etc.
5. Interpretation of Data:
In this last stage, conclusions are enacted. Use of comparisons is made. On this
basis, forecasting is made.
Some Modern Definitions:
From the above two senses of statistics, modem definitions have emerged as
given below:
“Statistics is a body of methods for making wise decisions on the face of
uncertainty.” —Wallis and Roberts
“Statistics is a body of methods for obtaining and analyzing numerical data in
order to make better decisions in an uncertain world.” —Edward N. Dubois
So, from above definitions we find that science of statistics also includes the
methods of collecting, organising, presenting, analysing and interpreting
numerical facts and decisions are taken on their basis.
The most proper definition of statistics can be given as following after analysing
the various definitions of statistics.
“Statistics in the plural sense are numerical statements of facts capable of some
meaningful analysis and interpretation, and in singular sense, it relates to the
collection, classification, presentation and interpretation of numerical data.”