Discuss statistics an art
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Answer:
There are many functions of statistics in different walks of life. Today, we will explore the nature of statistics – whether it is a science or art? We will also look at the scope and classification of statistics.
Nature of Statistics – Science
What is the nature of statistics? Is it a science or an art? This is a debatable topic. Let’s look at both.
Science, by definition, is a systematic body of knowledge which studies the cause and effect relationship and endeavors to find out generalization. In simpler terms, it explains the facts. Further, the primary features of science are:
It is a systematic study of any subject
It takes a fact and tries to establish the relationship between cause and effect
Also, the laws of science are universal in nature
we take the various statistical methods in consideration, we can define statistics as a science in which we study:
Numerous methods of collecting, editing, classifying, tabulating and presenting facts using graphs and diagrams
Several ways of condensing data regarding various social, political, and economic problems
This is done to establish a relationship between various facts. Also, it helps in analyzing and interpreting problems and forecast them too.
However, unlike the pure sciences like physics, chemistry, etc., statistics is not an exact science. We can call it a science of scientific methods. Statistics help other sciences to derive their own laws.
Further, statistical knowledge is not for its own sake but for the sake of other knowledge. Tippet defines statistics as, “A science, where the statistical method is a part of the general scientific methods and based on the same fundamental ideas and processes.”
Browse more Topics under Descriptive Statistics
Definition and Characteristics of Statistics
Stages of Statistical Enquiry
Importance and Functions of Statistics
Application of Statistics
Law of Statistics and Distrust of Statistics
Meaning and Types of Data
Methods of Collecting Data
Census
Sample Investigation
Classification of Data
Tabulation of Data
Frequency Distribution of Data
Diagrammatic Presentation of Data
Graphic Presentation of Data
Measures of Central Tendency
Mean Median Mode
Measures of Dispersion
Standard Deviation
Variance Analysis
Nature of Statistics – Art
If Science is knowledge, Art is action or the actual application of science. While Science teaches us to know, Art teaches us to do. Further, Art has the following characteristics:
It is a group of actions which solve a problem
It does not describe the facts but examines the merits and demerits and suggests ways to achieve the objective
Based on these characteristics, we can define statistics as an art of applying the science of scientific methods. As an art, statistics offer a better understanding and solution to problems in real life as it offers quantitative information.
While there are several statistical methods, the successful application of the methods is dependent on the statistician’s degree of skill and experience.
According to Tippet, “Statistic is both a science and an art. It is a science in that its methods are basically systematic and have general application and art in that their successful application depends, to a considerable degree, on the skill and special experience of the statistician, and on his knowledge of the field of application.”