2007-03-21 00:11:21 · 2 answers · asked by Omale B 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
Today the use of statistics has broadened far beyond its origins as a service to a state or government. Individuals and organizations use statistics to understand data and make informed decisions throughout the natural and social sciences, medicine, business, and other areas.
2007-03-21 00:19:28 · answer #1 · answered by abd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most prolific use of statistics is sadly an abuse of them.
Governments and a variety of other organisations the world over use statistics that have either been produced under biased conditions or that are presented in a particualr light such that they support the organisations goals.
Statistics basically transfom raw data into a form that allows someone to interpret an answer and then act on it. 8/10 mechanics use XY brand wrenches! ...boy I gotta get me on of those.
There are obviously legitimate uses for statistics - large companies often monitor their staff intake for racial and ethnic equality to avoid litigation.
Psychological testing is littered with statistics - a test group (group of people) is tested under certain conditions vs another group under slightly different conditions. Say men vs women performing a series of spatial awareness tasks. The data from each individual is then processed to produce a summary of the performance of each group which can be compared at a glance.
2007-03-21 00:24:21 · answer #2 · answered by Danny B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋