This document provides an overview of statistics for social work research. It defines statistics as the science of developing knowledge through empirical data expressed quantitatively, based on probability theory. Statistics involves collecting, summarizing, and analyzing numerical data. Descriptive statistics summarize and describe data, while inferential statistics model patterns in data to draw inferences about populations. The document discusses the characteristics, functions, scope, limitations, and potential misuse of statistics.

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.