The document provides a comprehensive introduction to statistics, detailing its definitions, characteristics, and various applications across different fields such as economics, social sciences, and physical sciences. It outlines the process of statistical investigation, which includes data collection, organization, presentation, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the functions and limitations of statistics. Overall, it emphasizes the significance of statistics as a method for informed decision-making and policy formulation.

2. Introduction to Statistics
Origin – It is either derived from the word Latin
word Status or Italian word Stato or German word
Statistick. In all the three languages it means ‘an
organized political state’.
Meaning of Statistics
Statistics has multiple meanings depending upon
the person using it. For a common man it is just a
data or a fact or a measurement. Some may regard
it as study of figures, for some it is analysis of
figures for forecasting or drawing inferences.
Diagrammatic or graphic representation of facts is
also considered as statistics.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

3. Processing, analysis and application of
quantitative facts is also regarded as
Statistics. In general it can be of following
forms –
As a product – Data
As a process – Statistical methods
As an application – Methods and
theories
used to handle
numerical data for
inferential decision
purposes.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

4. Definition of Statistics –
According to Horace Secrist, “By statistics we mean
aggregate of facts affected to a marked extent by
multiplicity of causes, numerically expressed,
enumerated or estimated according to reasonable
standards of accuracy, collected in a systematic manner
for a pre-determined purpose and placed in relation to
each other”.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

5. The definition mentions the characteristics which data
should possess. As per the definition it should have
following features –
1. Statistics are aggregates of facts – single or
unrelated figures are not statistics, because they do
not throw light on any problem. Statistical data are
concrete numbers which represent objects. Numbers
like 20, 25, 18, 23 etc. cannot be called statistics but
if they are placed in a series indicating ages of 20 and
25 years of the husbands the respective ages of wives
are 18 and 23 years, then these figures are termed as
statistics.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

6. 2. Affected to a marked extent by multiplicity of
causes – Statistics refer to the measurement of
phenomena in a complex universe. They are related to
various factors surrounding them. Hence to say that
statistics are affected by a single factor is not correct.
3. Numerically expressed, enumerated or estimated –
The facts which are to be called as statistical data are
expressed numerically as it adds a value to it.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

7. 4. According to the reasonable standards of accuracy –
There has to be certain rules while collecting data
associated. This is necessary to maintain homogeneity
of data.
5. Collected in a systematic manner for a pre-
determined purpose – Data is collected as per a set of
rules decided prior to the collection to avoid any kind
of redundancy as well as inaccuracy.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

8. 6. Placed in relation to each other – Data is usually
collected for comparing it with other type of similar
data so that certain conclusion can be drawn.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

9. Other definitions of Statistics –
A. L. Bowley – He gave following three definitions of
statistics –
1. Statistics is the science of counting.
2. Statistics may rightly be called as science of
Averages.
3. Statistics is the science of the measurement of
social organism regarded as a whole in all its
manifestations.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

10. Modern Definitions of Statistics –
1. W. I. King – The science of statistics is the method
of judging collective, natural or social phenomena
from the results obtained by the analysis of an
enumeration or collection of estimates.
2. P. H. Karmel – The subject statistics is concerned
with the collection, presentation, description and
analysis of data which are measurable in numerical
form.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

11. 3. Seligman – Statistics is the science which deals with
the methods of collecting, presenting, comparing and
interpreting numerical data collected to throw some
light on any sphere of inquiry.
4. Wallis and Roberts – Statistics is a body of methods
making wise decisions in the face of uncertainty.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

12. 5. Fisher – Statistics may be regarded as
a. The study of population,
b. The study of variation,
c. The study of methods of reduction of data.
In general, “Statistics is a science and an art which
deals with collection, classification, tabulation,
presentation, establishment of relationship,
interpretation and forecasting of data in connection
with social, economic, natural and other problems so
that the predetermined aims may be achieved”.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

13. As per the above definition there are five stages in a
statistical investigation –
1. Collection – Collecting data is the first step in a
statistical investigation. Data must be collected with
maximum care and accuracy as it forms the foundation
of the statistical analysis. In case faulty data is
collected wrong conclusions will be drawn. The first
hand collection of data is very difficult and important
task faced by the statistician. An investigator must
view data collected earlier so that repetition and
waste of time and resource can be avoided.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

14. 2. Organization – Data collected from published
sources are generally in organized form. However, a
large mass of figures that are collected from a survey
needs to be organized. The first step is to edit the
data. It must be edited carefully so that omissions,
inconsistencies, irrelevant answers and wrong
computations can be adjusted / corrected. After
editing data it must be classified according to some
common characteristics. Tabulation is the last step in
the organization.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

15. 3. Presentation – After the data is collected and
organized it is ready for presentation. Data presented
in an orderly manner facilitate statistical analysis.
There are two different modes in which the collected
data can be presented –
1. Diagrams
2. Graphs
4. Analysis – After collection, organization and
presentation the next step is analysis. The purpose of
analyzing data is to dig out information useful for
decision making.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

16. 5. Interpretation – The final stage in statistical
investigation is interpretation, i.e. drawing inferences
/ conclusions form the data collected and analyzed.
Interpretation is a difficult task and needs a high level
of expertise and experience.
Functions of Statistics –
1. It represents facts in a definite form.
2. It simplifies mass of figures.
3. It facilitates comparison.
4. It helps in formulating and testing hypothesis.
5. It helps in prediction.
6. It helps in the formulation of suitable policies.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

17. Application of Statistics –
Statistics and the State – Since ancient times the ruling
kings and chiefs have relied prominently on statistics
in framing suitable military and fiscal policies. Most of
the statistics related to crimes, military strength,
population, taxes etc.
Statistics and Mathematics –
Statistics is a branch of science based on mathematics.
It attempts to formulate definite rules of procedure
applicable in handling groups of data of many different
varieties.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

18. Statistics and Economics – Economic policies are often
designed on the basis of statistics. Various economic
laws and theories were propounded after statistical
tests. Statistical methods help in deriving economic
laws and also in providing the validity of existing
economic laws. It helps in developing the empirical
laws side of economics.
Statistics and Physical Sciences – Various sciences like
biology, physics, chemistry, Astrology, Medicines etc.
use statistical methods. In these sciences statistical
data are collected from the results of experiments.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

19. Statistics and Social Sciences – Statistics is widely used
in social sciences. Political science, geography, history,
psychology etc. use statistical methods in
investigations and research in their respective fields.
I.Q computation in psychology is done using statistical
methods.
Statistics and Industry and Commerce – Statistical
methods and procedures are employed by business
managers. Data recorded on commercial transactions
gives an insight regarding buying/selling pattern and
helps in forecasting.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

20. Functions of Statistics –
1. To simplify complex data.
2. To provide comparative studies.
3. To study relationships between different facts.
4. To enlarge individual knowledge and experience.
5. To formulate policies in different fields.
6. To measure effects.
7. To test a hypothesis.
8. To provide numerical measurement.
9. To forecast.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics

21. Limitations of Statistics –
1. Statistics only studies the quantitative aspects of a
problem and does not study the quantitative aspects.
2. Statistics deals with averages.
3. Statistics does not study individuals.
4. Statistical results are only approximately correct.
5. Statistical results are not always beyond doubt.
6. Statistics is only a mean.
Unit I Introduction to Statistics