Statistics is the science of counting. The science of averages. The science of measurement of social phenomena, regarding as a whole in all its manifestations.A subject not confined to any one science. Here several basic aspects of statistics such as definitions by various authors, functions, and limitations are explained in brief. any suggestions and queries are welcomed kindly drop them on comments. thank you!!

2. • Statistics is an old science, originated during
Mahabharat.
• The word ‘statistics’ is known to have been used for the
first time in “Elements of Universal Erudition” by
Baron J. F.
• Webster defined statistics as the classified facts
representing the condition of the people in a state,
especially those facts which can be stated in numbers or
in tables of numbers or in any tabular or classified
arrangement.

4. According to A. L. Bowley
Statistics is the :
• Science of counting
• The science of averages
• The science of measurement of social
phenomena, regarding as a whole in all its
manifestations.
• A subject not confined to any one science.
According to A. L. Boddington
Statistics is the science of estimates and
probabilities.

5. According to Croxton and Cowden:
Statistics may be defined as the collection, presentation, analysis and
interpretation of numerical data.
According to Horac Secrist
Statistics is an aggregate of facts affected to a marked extent by the
multiplicity of causes, numerically expressed, enumerated or
estimated according to a reasonable standard of accuracy, collected
in a systematic manner foe a predetermined purpose and placed in
relation to each other.
According to R. A. Fisher
The science of statistics is essentially a branch of applied
mathematics and may be regarded as mathematics applied to
observational data

6. Note:
• Statistics deals with data, not with simple numbers.
• In singular sense statistics means the subject of statistics
in which we study various statistical techniques for the
analysis of data.
• In plural sense statistics means numerical statements
about the facts which are capable of analysis and
interpretation.
• Statistical methods or techniques are applicable only
when some data are available irrespective of data
collection.

7. Data
• Data is defined as observations related to some variables.
Note:7,2,13,12.5,18 is not a data.
As the numbers has no variable related to them but if we say
7,2,13,12,15 and 18 is the age of 6 students then it will the data.
Data
Quantitative
data
EXAMPLE: Age, weight of students
Qualitative
data
The data in this case will be quantified by using
techniques like ranking, scoring, scaling or
coding.
EXAMPLE: students in a University
--From UG ,PG or Ph. D.
--Boy or girl
--From UP, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Delhi etc.

8. Characteristics of data
• Numerically expressed
• Aggregates of facts
• It should be comparable
• It should be conducted in definite systematic
manner.
• Collected with a definite objective.

9. Functions of statistics
1. Collection of data.
The data are collected either by experiments or by survey methods (directly or
indirectly)
2. Tabulation of data
Means preparation of tables in which the classified information can be
summarized. It contains number of rows, no. of columns, table number and
suitable title of the tables.
3. Analysis of data
For analysis of data we apply various statistical techniques e.g.: mean, mode,
median, standard deviation, correlation, regression and testing of hypothesis.
 Question : Two varieties A and B, having mean and SD of Variety A : 75&72
and Variety B :15&4 . Which variety is better.??
4. Interpretation of data
Once the data have been analysed , the main job consist of attaching physical
meaning and giving interpretation to the numerical results useful in real life.
Answer: Variety B is better because less variation in risk, as S.D. is 4

10. Functions contd…
 Statistics presents the facts in a definite and systematic form.
 It helps in comparison of different data set.
For e.g. we compare average marks of students inn different sections or average
yield of different varieties.
 It helps in finding relationship between various factors
For e.g. relationship between weight and B.P. or relationship between quantity of
fertilisers and yield.
Above relation can be find out with the help of correlation and regression
analysis.
 It helps in formulation of hypothesis and testing of hypothesis.
 For statistical analysis of data in any research problem first we have to
formulate hypothesis
 It helps in planning.
 It helps in forecasting.

11. Limitations
Statistics does not deals with single observation
value.
It does not deal to qualitative characters e.g.
honesty.
(however we can analyse the qualitative information
by giving some score according to some predefined
criteria).
Statistical results are true only on an average.
Statistics statements or conclusions are generally
not true or applicable to individuals but are
applicable to majority of the cases.

12. Application
Statistics is used almost in all the fields . E.g. in
Agriculture, veterinary science, engineering
,economics etc.