Tag: definition, scope, importance and limitation of statistics

Webster defined statistic as "Statistics refers to the classified facts representing the conditions of the people in the State....especially those facts which can be stated in numbers or in tables of numbers or in any tabular classified arrangement"

Wappans defined statistics as "Statistics is an aggregate knowledge brought together for a practical end namely the knowledge of concrete states".

Kendall defined statistics as "By statistics, we mean quantitative data affected to a marked extent by multiplicity of causes".

The definition given by Horace Secrist is “Statistics as the aggregate of facts affected to mark extent by the multiplicity of causes, numerically expressed, enumerated or estimated according to a reasonable standard of accuracy, collected in a systematic manner for the predetermined purpose and placed in relation to each other”

According to, Croxton & Cowden, "Statistics may be defined as the science of collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of numerical data."

The definition given by Tippitt is “Statistics is both a science and an art.” 

AL Bowley defines statistics as "Statistics is numerical statement of facts in any development of enquiry placed in relation to each other"

The definition given by Horace Secrist is “Statistics as the aggregate of facts affected to mark extent by the multiplicity of causes, numerically expressed, enumerated or estimated according to a reasonable standard of accuracy, collected in a systematic manner for the predetermined purpose and placed in relation to each other”

Statistics involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. Comparability is a fundamental attribute required to make numerical facts meaningful and useful for statistical analysis.