What is Statistics? Statisticians?

Statistics?

How do we define the word statistics? The word statistics has more than one meaning. We encounter it frequently in our everyday language. The origin of the sources we shall use in the definition may be traced to the following authors, of which have very little in common meaning about statistics.  

Reston, (2004), the word statistics simply refers to a mass of data or a collection of facts and figures. The grades of students in the registrar’s office, entrance examination results of incoming freshmen in certain universities or colleges, the average temperature and average rainfall per month, weekly sales of a company A are such statistics in nature.

Freund, et, al. (1986) and Nocon, et, al. (2000), defines statistics as a branch of mathematics that deals with the theory and methods of collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. As such, the data may be categorical or numerical in nature.

Walpole, (2000) and Lind, et, al. (2000) defines as a science that is concerned with the concepts and techniques employed in the collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of data to assist in making more effective decisions.

Statistics is the branch of science that deals with the collection, presentation, summarization, analyzation, and interpretation of data.

Statisticians

Are professionals who are trained to provide crucial guidance in determining what information is reliable and which predictions can be trusted through the application of statistical methods. Furthermore, it helps determine the sampling and data collection methods, monitors the execution of the study and the processing of data, and advice on the strengths and limitations of the results (www.amstat.org). The word statistician is used to refer to collect and analyze data, and then calculate results using a specific design. One who draws conclusions and make decisions in the face of uncertainty. They are present behind the scenes in every field of scientific endeavor. The tasks of statisticians include: Agricultural and Animal Sciences, Medical Sciences, Business areas, Engineering, Education, Economics, Mathematics, Banking, Accounting, and Auditing, Natural and Social Sciences etc..