What is STATISTICS?

Origin and Growth of Statistics:

The word ‘ Statistics’ and ‘ Statistical’ are all derived from the Latin word Status, means a political state. 
The theory of statistics as a distinct branch of scientific method is of comparatively recent growth. Research particularly into the mathematical theory of statistics is rapidly proceeding and fresh discoveries are being made all over the world.

Statistics is concerned with scientific methods for collecting, organising, summarizing, presenting and analyzing data as well as deriving valid conclusions and making reasonable decisions on the basis of this analysis. Statistics is concerned with the systematic collection of numerical data and its interpretation.

What are the two major types of statistics? The two major types of statistics are descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Each of these statistical segments serves specific purposes, and they are used to accomplish different objectives

Statistics is not a mere device for collecting numerical data, but as a means of developing sound techniques for their handling, analyzing and drawing valid inferences from them. Statistics is applied in every sphere of human activity – social as well as physical – like Biology, Commerce, Education, Planning, Business Management, Information Technology, etc. It is almost impossible to find a single department of human activity where statistics cannot be applied. We now discuss briefly the applications of statistics in other disciplines.