Importance of Statistics

Importance in government, economics, economic planning, and business.

Notes

Importance of Statistics

Importance of statistics across four major domains \u2014 Government, Economics, Economic Planning, and Business \u2014 with real-world applications and examples.

Importance of Statistics to the Government

Government & Statistics

  • Ancient rulers used statistics to assess military and economic strength.
  • In the present scenario, Government collects the largest amount of statistics for various purposes.
  • The role of government has increased, requiring much greater numerical information to fulfil welfare objectives and efficient administration.

Popular methods: Time-series analysis, index numbers, forecasting, demand analysis \u2014 extensively used in formulating economic policies.

  • Example: Statistical investigations provide data about paying capacity of the people, which helps the government decide rates of direct and indirect taxes.
  • In a democratic country like India, political groups are guided by statistical analysis regarding their popularity among the masses.

“It is impossible to think about the functioning of the modern government in the absence of statistics.”

Importance of Statistics in Economics

Statistics is indispensable for understanding economic problems. Every branch of economics takes support from statistics to prove various economic theories. Statistics provides important guidelines for formulating economic policies.

6 Key Uses of Statistics in Economics

Statistics in Economic Activities

Importance of Statistics in Economic Planning

Statistics in Economic Planning

Economic Planning is indispensable for achieving faster growth through the best use of a nation's resources. At every stage of economic planning, there is a need for figures and statistical methods. Using statistical techniques, it is possible to assess the amounts of various resources available and determine whether the specified rate of growth is sustainable. Statistical analysis of data may reveal crucial areas requiring immediate attention, like increasing rate of inflation.

“It is rather impossible to think of a situation where economic planning can be done without the use of statistical techniques.”

Importance of Statistics in Business