Questions and Answers
What is the primary meaning of the term 'statistics' in its singular form?
Which statement best describes a characteristic of statistics?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of statistics?
According to A.L. Bowley, statistics may be referred to as the science of which of the following?
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Which statement reflects the dual nature of the term 'statistics'?
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What does 'enumerated or estimated' indicate in relation to statistics?
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In which way are statistics affected?
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What best describes the collection process of statistics?
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What can be classified as statistics?
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Which of the following is NOT an influencing factor on statistical data?
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What type of data constitutes statistics?
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How can numerical data be obtained in a large field of enquiry?
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What is a reasonable standard of accuracy for measurement?
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Which of these statements is true about qualitative characteristics?
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Why is a simple count inadequate for representing statistics?
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What aspect of statistical data does not require precision?
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Why is it important to collect statistical data systematically?
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What should be known prior to collecting statistical data?
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Why is homogeneity important in statistical comparisons?
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Which of the following reflects the role of statistics in industry?
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What is a potential consequence of collecting unnecessary data?
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How does statistics facilitate decision-making in business?
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What aspect should be ignored when comparing statistical data from different categories?
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What is one method that statistics provides for industries?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Statistics
- Originates from Latin 'Status', Italian 'Statistika', German 'Statistik', implying a political state.
- Initially concerned with facts and figures vital for state administration.
- Considered a by-product of administrative functions, useful for problem-solving of governmental issues.
- "Statistics" has plural and singular meanings:
- Plural: a set of numerical data.
- Singular: the science of statistical methods for data collection, analysis, and inference.
Definition of Statistics
- Defined as the science involving collection, classification, presentation, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data.
- A.L. Bowley describes it as the science of counting and averages.
- Boddington refers to it as the science of estimates and probabilities.
Characteristics of Statistics
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Aggregate of Facts:
- Statistics pertains to groups rather than individual events; e.g., total accidents over time rather than a single event.
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Influenced by Multiple Causes:
- Data is affected by various factors; for example, a decrease in sales can result from supply issues, market conditions, and consumer preferences.
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Numerically Expressed:
- Only numerical data count as statistics; qualitative characteristics like beauty or intelligence are not classified as statistics.
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Enumerated or Estimated:
- Data can be collected through enumeration for small populations or estimation for larger ones.
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Standard of Accuracy:
- Data collection should adhere to an acceptable accuracy level, with some flexibility depending on context.
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Systematic Collection for a Purpose:
- Data must be gathered methodically aligned with a predetermined goal to prevent misinformation and maximize relevance.
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Relational Context:
- Statistical data should be compared meaningfully, ensuring they relate to the same phenomenon; comparing different attributes yields meaningless results.
Scope of Statistics
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Statistical Role in Industry:
- Vital for record-keeping in various business processes like inventory, production, and marketing.
- Assists in strategic decisions, including raw material purchase timings and production scheduling.
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Benefits for Commerce and Business:
- Enhances decision-making processes and performance evaluations, thus improving overall operational efficiency.
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Description
This quiz covers the foundational concepts of statistics as introduced in Unit I. Learn about the origin of the word statistics and its relevance to state understanding and administration. Explore how statistics emerged as a tool for solving state-related problems and its significance in various applications.