Statistics may be defined as the aggregate of facts, affected to a marked extent by a multiplicity of causes, numerically expressed, enumerated or estimated according to a reasonable standard of accuracy, collected in a systematic manner for a predetermined purpose and placed in relation to each other.
Statistics plays an important role in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting numerical data. The main functions of statistics are as follows:
Statistics helps in the systematic collection of data related to a particular problem or study. Data can be collected through various methods such as:
Proper collection ensures accuracy and reliability of statistical data.
Once data is collected, statistics helps in organizing and presenting data in a clear and understandable form. Data may be classified and presented using:
Presentation simplifies large and complex data and makes comparison easy.