What is Statistics?

I hear this question often, and I thought it might be nice for you to be able to read what other people have to say about it. Read on!

American Heritage Dictionary® defines statistics as: "The mathematics of the collection, organization, and interpretation of numerical data, especially the analysis of population characteristics by inference from sampling."

The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary® definition is: "A branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of masses of numerical data."

The steps of statistical analysis involve collecting information, evaluating it, and drawing conclusions. The information might be:
A test group's favorite amount of sweetness in a blend of fruit juices
The number of men and women hired by a city government
The velocity of a burning gas on the sun's surface

Statisticians provide crucial guidance in determining what information is reliable and which predictions can be trusted. They often help search for clues to the solution of a scientific mystery, and sometimes keep investigators from being misled by false impressions. Statisticians work in a variety of fields, including medicine, government, education, agriculture, business, and law.

Today, statistics has become an important tool in the work of many academic disciplines such as medicine, psychology, education, sociology, engineering and physics, just to name a few. Statistics is also important in many aspects of society such as business, industry and government. Because of the increasing use of statistics in so many areas of our lives, it has become very desirable to understand and practise statistical thinking. This is important even if you do not use statistical methods directly.

You will be seeing an informational brochure soon, but for now, check these ones out:
Eastview HS, Minnesota
LaSalle Academy
AB Miller High School