What are statistics?

Features, Importance
Limitations and Functions of Statistics
The credit of presenting statistical principles in a scientific form goes to German scholar
and mathematician Gottfried Achenwalla. He presented a detailed description of statistics
in the year 1749. Gottfried Aichenwalla is called the father of statistics. In this article
What are we statistics? Know the meaning, definition, importance and characteristics of
statistics.

What are statistics? meaning of statistics

Features of Statistics
The following are the characteristics of statistics-
1. Data are groups of facts.
From the views of Mr. Horace Schrist, data are not for any particular person or thing, but
they represent the facts of a group. That is, if a number is given for one person, then it
will not be a data, but if it is given for a group, then it will be called a data.
2. Statistics presents means, not conclusions
Statistics only presents means, not conclusions. If the spirit of the researcher is biased,
then the statistical conclusions become inaccurate, because in such a situation the
researcher always tries to make the result according to his earlier assumption.
3. The data is compiled by calculation or estimation
Horace Schrist is of the view that data is collected either on the basis of simple
calculations or by inferring on the basis of past events and experiences. If the area of data
collection is limited, then by calculation method, and if the area is wide, then it is
collected on an approximate basis.
4. Lack of mathematical accuracy
The laws of statistics are correct only on average, they are found to lack mathematical
accuracy.
5. Compilation
should be done in a systematic manner The compilation of data should be done in a
systematic manner according to the scrist. If they are not collected according to plan then
they will not be called data.
6. Homologous Necessary 7. Data are expressed in numbers or numbers
Statistical data must be homogeneous for comparison. It is not possible to compare
clothes and shoes.

Data are always presented in numbers or numbers. If a fact is not presented in numbers,
then it will not be a data.

Importance of Statistics
1. Growth in personal experiences
In the absence of statistical method, the conclusions drawn by the researcher are only
estimates. There was no firmness in them. Statistical methods increase the knowledge and
experience of the researcher.
2. Simplifying complex facts
The information collected during research is very complex and chaotic. Ordinary person
can neither understand it nor can draw any conclusion.
3. Formulation of general rules The
results obtained from statistical method can be applied in the form of rules on a small or
special area and if the area is wide, then various rules in that regard can also be made on
the basis of these results.
4. Brief Explanation
Removes unnecessary and unwanted material from the findings and results of statistical
research and presents them in a concise and simple form.
5. With
the help of statistics helpful in solving social problems, information is obtained regarding
social problems like illiteracy, unemployment, crime, begging etc. in the country. Along
with this, the measures to solve these problems and to what extent those measures have
been successful, they can also be detected with the help of statistics.
6. Forecast for the future
are also made by means of statistics. In this, based on the conclusions obtained by
analyzing the present facts, predictions are made for the future.

Limits of statistics
Statistical method has an important place in social research, but still it has its limitations,
which are not possible to control. Therefore, this method should be used very
carefully. Statistics has the following limitations-
1. Numerical Studies Only
Only the numerical side of a problem can be studied by the statistical method. It is not
possible to study qualitative facts like stress, ability, honesty, fear etc. through statistical
method. Especially in sociological studies, the use of statistical method becomes very
limited for this reason because most of the social phenomena are qualitative and cannot
be measured.
2. Study of individual units is not possible
The study of individual units alone is not possible through statistical method. In this,
conclusions are drawn by studying only the groups and these conclusions can be applied
to the group only. But this does not explain the characteristics of the scientific unit. Like
the per capita income of a state is 1500 rupees but in reality not all the people get 1500
rupees. Most earn less than this and some have more than that. Statistical method is
unable to throw light on these shortcomings.
3. Unsuitable for intensive study
In the field of social phenomena where in-depth study is necessary, statistical method is
unsuitable as it is possible to study only the general characteristics of events. Social
phenomena are not so simple and gross that by collecting only a little statistics, universal
conclusions can be obtained on the basis of them. For this a thorough and meticulous
study is required.
4. Study of homogeneous facts only
Since comparative study is done in statistical method. Therefore, it is necessary to have
uniformity and homogeneity among them. For example, the per capita income can be
compared with the per capita income only. Per capita income is not compared with the
figures of imports or exports.
5. Only experts can use it
Only experts can use statistical method because special knowledge is required for
classification, tabulation, analysis, election etc. of facts. Normal person cannot do this
work. In this regard, Yule and Kendall are of the view that "Statistical methods are a
dangerous tool in the hands of an unqualified person." Statistical methods in the hand of a
man are like a razor in the hands of a monkey.
6. Not the only method
It is totally unreasonable to assume that statistical method is the only method of
research. At the same time, it is also a schedule to assume that the best solution to each
type of problem can be found by this method. Dr. According to Bowle, "Statistical
method is as necessary for the solution of a problem as the exact measurement for the
construction of a building."
7. Indeterminate conclusion
Statistical findings are misleading and uncertain. We cannot understand them without
context. To understand the statistical findings properly, it is necessary to have
context. Due to excessive dependence on data, there are chances of drawing wrong
conclusions.
8. Lack of mathematical accuracy
The laws of statistics are correct only on average, lack of accuracy is found in
them. Statistical methods are not helpful in 100% work.
Following are the functions of statistics-
1. Comparing Facts
Simplified data is of no importance unless it is compared with other data of the same type
and relationship is established between them. The act of comparison helps in presenting
the relative importance of the data. For example, information on per capita income in
India will be useful when comparing with the per capita income of other countries.
2. Increase in personal experience and knowledge
The study and use of statistics increases the knowledge and experience of a person, gives
clarity and certainty to his thoughts, develops analysis and reasoning, and on the basis of
this, he starts to understand various subjects and problems properly.
3. Assistance in the formulation of policies
Statistics acts as a guide in setting policies in various fields (economic, social,
political). Various policies are formed by scientific analysis of statistical material. On the
basis of data and their trends, import-export policy, tax policy is determined in the
country.
4. Statistics examines the laws of other sciences
The rules of various subjects and sciences are made from statistics and the rules made on
the basis of deductive system are checked for correctness. Changes are also made to those
rules as required. For example, the laws of sociology, economics, logic are made with the
help of statistics. There is consistency in such rules and they are universal.
5. Estimation and Prediction of Facts
On the basis of statistical methods, estimates of present facts and predictions of future
facts are made. It is very necessary for plans and on the basis of this plans are made. This
work is done by external counting and internal counting.
6. Statistics gives certainty to facts
The first function of statistics is to collect and present facts in numerical form. Statistics
presents general statements in a concise and precise manner. For example, it is said that
the population is increasing rapidly, then this statement will not be effective unless it is
presented in numerical form as well.
7. Statistics Simplifies Complexity
The function of statistics is to simplify vast and complex facts because it will be difficult
to understand the vast amount of data collected. Therefore, these facts can be made
simple and concise by using various methods of statistics, such as mean, dispersion, dot-
line or graphical representation, etc.
8. Checking Hypotheses
One of the functions of statistics is to determine hypotheses and find out their truths. For
example, has there been a decrease in its use due to the increase in the price of
petrol. And so on.