Meaning and uses of statistics

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ECONOMICS
BASIC STATISTICS
Dr Rekha Choudhary
Department of Economics
Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur
Rajasthan

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Meaning, Uses, Functions, Importance and Limitation
of Statistics

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Meaning of Statistics
1.2.1 Statistics in Singular Sense
1.2.2 Statistics in Plural Sense
1.3 Scope and Use of Statistics
1.4 Functions of Statistics
1.5 Importance of Statistics
1.6 Limitations of Statistics
1.7 Distrust and Misuse of Statistics
1.8 Let Us Sum Up
1.9 Unit End Questions
1.10 Suggested Readings 3
Index

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The word statistics has different meaning to different persons. Knowledge of
statistics is applicable in day to day life in different ways. In daily life it means
general calculation of items, in railway statistics means the number of trains
operating, number of passenger’s freight etc. and so on. Thus statistics is used by
people to take decision about the problems on the basis of different type of
quantitative and qualitative information available to them.
However, in behavioral sciences, the word ‘statistics’ means something different
from the common concern of it. Prime function of statistic is to draw statistical
inference about population on the basis of available quantitative information.
Overall, statistical methods deal with reduction of data to convenient descriptive
terms and drawing some inferences from them. This unit focuses on the above
aspects of statistics.
1.0 Introduction

1.1 Objectives
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
 Define the term statistics;
 Explain the status of statistics;
 Describe the nature of statistics;
 State basic concepts used in statistics; and
 Analyse the uses and misuses of statistics.
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The word ‘Statistics’ was first introduced by a German Scholar, Gottfried Achenwall, in
the middle of the 18th century. From the very name, it is felt that it must be related to the
administrative functioning of a state supplying facts regularly and quantitatively regarding
its various fields of administration.
1.2 Meaning of Statistics
Definition of Statistics
A. L. Bowley gave several definitions of Statistics:
“Statistics may be called the science of counting” . This definition emphasises enumeration aspect
only.
In another definition he describes it as “ Statistics may rightly be called the science of average”.
At another place Statistics is defined as, “Statistics is the science of measurement of social organism
regarded as a whole in all its manifestations”.
All three definitions given by Bowely seem to be inadequate because these do not include all aspects
of statistics.
According to Selligman “Statistics is the science which deals with the methods of collecting,
classifying, presenting , comparing and interpreting numerical data collected to throw some light on
any sphere of enquiry”.

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Croxton and Cowden defined “statistics as the collection , presentation, analysis ,and
interpretation of numerical data”.
Among all the definitions , the one given by Croxton and Cowden is considered to be
most appropriate as it covers all aspects and field of statistics.
These aspects are given below:
 Collection of Data : Once the nature of study is decided , it becomes essential to collect
information in form of data about the issues of the study.
 Classification and Presentation : Once data are collected , researcher has to arrange
them in a format from which they would be able to draw some conclusions.
 Tabulation: is the process of presenting the classified data in the form of table. A tabular
presentation of data becomes more intelligible and fit for further statistical analysis.
Classified and Tabulated data can be presented in diagrams and graphs to facilitate the
understanding of various trends as well as the process of comparison of various
situations.
 Analysis of Data : It is the most important step in any statistical enquiry . Statistical
analysis is carried out to process the observed data and transform it in such a manner as
to make it suitable for decision making.

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1.2.1 Statistics in Singular Sense
In singular sense, ‘Statistics’ refers to what is called statistical methods. It deals with the collection of data, their
classification, analysis and interpretations of statistical data. Therefore, it is described as a branch of science which
deals with classification, tabulation and analysis of numerical facts and make decision as well. Every statistical
inquiry should pass through these stages.
1.2.2 Statistics in Plural Sense
‘Statistics’ used in plural sense means that quantitative information is available called ‘data’. For example,
information on population or demographic features, enrolment of students in Psychology programmes of IGNOU, and
the like.
Horace Secrist describes statistics in plural sense as follows : “ By Statistics we mean aggregates of facts affected to
a marked extent by multiplicity of causes numerically expressed, enumerated or estimated according to reasonable
standard of accuracy , collected in a systematic manner for a pre-determined purpose and placed in relation to each
other.” Thus Secrist’s definition highlights following features of statistics:
 Statistics are aggregate of facts
 Statistics are affected by multiplicity of causes.
 Statistics are numerical facts.
 Statistics are enumerated or estimated with a reasonable standard of accuracy.
 Statistics are collected in a systematic manner.
 Statistics are collected for a predetermined purpose.
 Statistics should be comparable.

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1.3 Scope and Use of Statistics
•Policy planning: To finalise a policy, it requires some data from previous or expected environment that the policy
can be effectively utilised with maximum favourable results.
•Management: Statistics is very useful tool in an organisation to view various aspects of work and well being of the
employees as well as keeping an eye on the progress trend of the organisation.
•Behavioural and Social Sciences: In social sciences where both types (quantitative and qualitative) of information
are used, statistics helps the researchers to alter the information in a comprehensive way to explain and predict the
patterns of behaviour/ trend.
•Education: If education is intended to be well dispersed and effective in the interest of the population, the
characteristics of students, instructor’s contents and infrastructure are very important to understand and again statistics
enable these characteristics being analysed in context of needs of the nation.
•Commerce and Accounts: Where money matters are involved, it is essential to take extra care to manage the funds
properly enabling efforts in various sectors.
•Industries: Statistics is a basic tool to handle daily matters not only in big organisations but also in small industries.
•Pure sciences and Mathematics: Statistical tools are also instrumental to have precise measures in pure sciences
and to see differences on different occasions in various conditions.
•Problem solving: Knowing the useful difference between two or more variables enable the individual to find out the
best applicable solution to a problem situation and it is possible because of statistics.
•Theoretical researches: Theories evolve on the basis of facts obtained from the field. Statistical analyses establish
the significance of those facts for a particular paradigm or phenomena. Researchers are engaged in using the statistical
measures to decide on the facts and data whether a particular theory can be maintained or challenged.

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1. To Present Facts in Definite Form
2. Precision to the Facts
3. Comparisons
4. After simplifying the data, it can be correlated as well as compared.
5. Formulation and Testing of Hypothesis
6. Forecasting and Estimating
7. Policy Making
8. It Enlarges Knowledge
9. To Measure Uncertainty
10. To Examine the theories of other science
11. To study extensively and intensively
1.4 Functions of Statistics

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1.5 Importance of Statistics
1. Essential for planning
2. Importance in Administration
3. Importance in Economics
4. Importance in trade , commerce and industry
5. Helpful in Inspection
6. Universal Utility

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1.6 Limitations of Statistics
Although Statistics has a very wide application in everyday life as well as in Behavioural
Sciences, Physical and Natural Sciences, it has certain limitations also. These limitations
are as follow :
1. Statistics studies aggregates of facts and not of individual units
2. Statistics studies only numerical data
3. Statistical rules & decisions are true on average
4. Results may be illusory
5. Uniformity and Homogeneity
6. Only experts may use statistics
7. Statistical methods are not the only remedy of solving problems
8. Statistics is a means not the solution

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1.7 Distrust and Misuse of Statistics
Sometimes irresponsible, inexperienced people use statistical tools to fulfil their
self motives irrespective of the nature and trend of the data. Because of such
various misuses of statistical tools sometimes called an unscrupulous science.
There are various misgivings about Statistics . These are as follows :
1. Undue trust in Statistics
2. Availability of contradictory data
3. Ignorance of Limitation of Statistics
4. Lack of Specific ability
5. Lack of test accuracy
6. Contradiction of data from actual circumstances
7. Misuse of Statistics

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1.8 Let us Sum up
In present era people must have some knowledge of statistics. In
singular sense, it means statistical methods which include collection,
classification, analysis and interpretation of data. In plural sense, it
means quantitative information called data. On the other hand, statistics
has importance and uses on the basis of the nature of distribution.
Statistics has application in almost in all branches of knowledge as well
as all sphere of life. In spite of its wide applicability, it has certain
limitations too. Some times inexperienced people misuse statistics to
fulfil their own motives.

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1.9 Unit End Questions
1. What do you mean by statistics? Define its various types with the help of examples of daily
life.
2. “Statistical methods are most dangerous tools in the hand of inexpert.” Discuss briefly
3.Define following concepts:
• Descriptive statistics
• Inferential statistics
• Parametric statistics
• Non parametric statistics
4. Comments on the following statements in two or three lines with reasons:
• Statistics in singular sense implies statistical methods.
• Statistics and statistic implies same thing.
• Statistics may rightly be called the science of averages.
• There are lies, damn lies and statistics. Give three examples of misuse of statistics.
5. Write a note on the limitations of statistics.

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1.10 Suggested Readings
Asthana H.S, and Bhushan, B.(2007) Statistics for Social Sciences (with SPSS Applications).
Prentice Hall of India
B.L.Aggrawal (2009). Basic Statistics. New Age International Publisher, Delhi.
Gupta, S.C.(1990) Fundamentals of Statistics. Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai
Elhance, D.N: Fundamental of Statistics
Singhal, M.L: Elements of Statistics
Nagar, A.L. and Das, R.K.: Basic Statistics
Croxton Cowden: Applied General Statistics
Nagar, K.N.: Sankhyiki ke mool tatva
Gupta, BN : Sankhyiki
References
https://www.economicsdiscussion.net/statistics/use-of-statistics-in-economics-origin-meaning-and-other-
details/11968
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/word-cloud-statistics-152110988
https://www.google.com/search?q=importance+of+statistics+images&sxsrf=ALeKk00wdNqUlu-
lLaicFFide0AsRKxkIA:1595768058581&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=bBDtXVxs__0j3M%252CUkkDWVM
pRblGgM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kRMvgrLmSsN2k6nna8zgoXgxwaW-Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT1pmi--
rqAhXBIbcAHY10DGQQ9QEwAHoECAcQGw&biw=1366&bih=625#imgrc=bBDtXVxs__0j3M

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