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Meaning of Statistics

Plural vs singular sense, author definitions, seven characteristics, five stages.

Notes

Meaning of Statistics

Statistics in Plural Sense and Singular Sense \u2014 definitions by Bowley, Yule & Kendall, Secrist; seven characteristics; five stages of statistical study; and comparison between the two senses.

Two Meanings of Statistics

Viewing: Plural Sense
Definition

"Statistics are numerical statements of facts in any department of enquiry placed in relation to each other." — A. L. Bowley

Nature

A collection of numerical facts

Import

"Statistics are aggregates of facts, affected by multiplicity of causes, numerically expressed, enumerated or estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy, collected systematically for a predetermined purpose, and placed in relation to each other." — Horace Secrist

Scope

Deals with numerical data as facts and figures

vs

Statistics in Plural Sense \u2014 Author Definitions

"Statistics are numerical statements of facts in any department of enquiry placed in relation to each other."

Key Insight

Emphasises numerical facts + relationship between them

"By statistics we mean quantitative data affected to a marked extent by multiplicity of causes."

Key Insight

Introduces the idea that data is influenced by many factors

"Statistics refers to aggregates 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 predetermined purpose and placed in relation to each other."

Key Insight

The most comprehensive definition — includes all 7 characteristics

Characteristics of Statistics in Plural Sense

Click through each characteristic to understand what makes data truly statistical.

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Aggregates of Facts

Statistics are a number of facts. Single and isolated figures are not statistics — no comparison or conclusion can be drawn from them.

Example:

A single age of 30 years is not statistics. A series of ages of a group of persons is statistics.

A single figure can be called statistics when represented as an average or sum of observations (e.g., average marks of 75 in a class). All statistics are expressed in numbers, but all numbers are not statistics — only the aggregate is.

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Statistics as a Method \u2014 Five Stages of Statistical Study

Collection of Data

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It is the main and first step in a statistical enquiry. The technique of collection depends upon the objective of the study. Data should be collected from reliable and authentic sources.

Statistical Tools

Statistical Tools

Statistical study involves use of standard techniques or methods called 'Statistical Tools'. For example, Sample and Census techniques are used as statistical tools for collection of data.

Plural Sense vs Singular Sense

AspectPlural SenseSingular Sense
NatureDeals with numerical information (data)A body of various methods and tools
TypeDescriptive in natureBasically a tool of analysis
StateOften in the raw stateHelps in processing the raw data
MethodQuantitativeOperational technique

Empirical Analysis vs Quantitative Analysis

Empirical Analysis
A method in which a subject is studied on the basis of observations or experiments. Knowledge is acquired as a result of actual experience. Used in natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology) where laws can be tested in laboratories.
Quantitative Analysis
An attempt to level precision to facts so they can be easily compared. Facts are expressed as quantities (25, 30, 35), then classified, tabulated and analysed to draw reasonable conclusions. Used for social sciences/human behaviour.
Economics is a social science \u2014 human behaviour cannot be studied through laboratory experiments. Quantitative analysis is the effective approach for economic and social science problems.