1.Meaning and Usefulness of Statistics

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

If a statistician had her hair on fire and her feet in a block of ice, she would say that 'on the average' she felt good.

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

Meaning and Usefulness of Statistics

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

• The term ‘Statistics’ was used for the first time by the German writer Gottfried Achenwall in the year 1749, and because of that he is regarded as the ‘father of the statistics’.

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

• Some scholars pinpoint the origin of statistics to 1662, with the publication of "Observations on the Bills of Mortality" by John Graunt.

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

• It is very difficult to give such a definition of Statistics which may cover all its broad characteristics.

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

Bowley has given following two definitions:

1. “Statistics is the science of counting.”

2. “Statistics may rightly be called the science of average.”

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

According to Boddington :

“Statistics is the science of estimates and probabilities.”

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

Characteristics of the Statistics:1. Data should be aggregate of facts and not a

single fact.2. Fact should be such as may be numerically

expressed.3. Facts or data are affected by many factors.4. Data are enumerated or estimated.5. The accuracy regarding the data should be

observed to that extent which is reasonably possible.

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

Functions of Statistics1. It presents complex facts into a sample and clear form.2. It presents complex and vast information into short and

considered form.3. It facilitates comparison.4. Helpful in drawing inferences.5. Helpful in the formulation of policies.6. Helpful in forecasting.7. Helpful in formulation and testing of hypothesis.8. It transform problems into define form.9. It promotes knowledge and experience.

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

1. The person who is regarded as the father of statistics is ------

A. Horace Secrist

B. A.L. Bowey

C. Gottfried Achenwall

D. A.L. Boddington

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

2. The correct meaning of statistics is that ------

A.It is science of facts

B.It is signifies statistical methods

C.It is science of averages

D.It is science of counting

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

3. Statistics is useful ------

A.In social science only

B.In physical science only

C.In natural science only

D.In all social and physical sciences

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

4. Statistics studies ------

A.Qualitative facts

B.Single facts

C.Such facts which can be treated algebraically

D.Aggregates of facts which can be numerically expressed

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

5. Statistics was used first ------

A.For economic planning

B.By industrialists

C.By the state

D.For analyzing social problems

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

6. The understanding of statistics is very necessary for ------

A.Religious person

B.Small children

C.Ladies

D.Vigilant citizens

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

7. The fact which forms part of statistics is ------

A. Ram is brilliant student

B. Geeta is a beautiful

C. Shyam has secured 70 marks in statistics

D. The top 3 students in a class secured 60, 70 and 80 marks in statistics

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

8. Statistics ------

A. Is science only

B. Is science and art both

C. Is art only

D. Is neither science nor art

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

9. Statistics cannot be applied to ------

A. Marks of students

B. Income of traders

C. Honesty

D. Price of commodities

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

10. Measures of Central Tendency do not include ------

A. Geometric Mean

B. Mean Deviation

C. Harmonic Mean

D. Median

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

Answers

1-C

2-B

3-D

4-D

5-C

6-D

7-D

8-B

9-C

10-B

Rajnish K Mishra, SIOM, Pune-41

Assignments

1. Define Statistics. Explain its utility.

2. ‘Statistics means statistical methods’. Amplify the statement.

(Give the answer in Hand-Written Format)