What Is Statistics

Click on the "What is statistics?" thread in the Stat 311 General Forum and respond to the following two questions:

1) In your own words, how do you define the field of statistics at this moment in time?

2) Why do you think it is important to study statistical methods?

        I think statistics is the study of numerical numbers and analyzing these numbers.  These numbers are collected and analyzed using a histogram, bar chart, line chart, or a pie chart.  The data allows statisticians to use the data to make conclusions and hypothesizes. Statistical methods can prove scientific theories and hypothesizes.  Statisticians create experiments and record the data and this data is placed in their respective graph or chart.  I look forward to learning more about the field of statistics as the quarter progresses.    

I think it is important to study statistical methods because it teaches us how to record, analyze, and learn how not to be misled by the data.  The major of statistics is becoming more in demand by companies, therefore it is beneficial to take a statistics class to gain a basic understanding of the field.  Numerical data is everywhere and with a basic understanding of statistics, it will help the viewer make a more informed decision and make conclusions.  Without knowledge of statistics it could cause people to make ill-informed decisions from the data they interpret.  Lastly, this class will help me better explain and predict data.