• Statistics is the scientific discipline that deals with the collection, organization, analysis, display, and interpretation of numerical data. Statistical methods are widely used to design and analyze experiments, surveys, censuses, and other approaches to collecting information about the world. Statistical analyses include the effective summarizing of sets of data and the drawing of inferences from such data, as well as identification of the nature of observational errors and sources of variability that may obscure underlying patterns.
  • Statisticians can help to decide whether information is reliable or conclusions drawn from it should be trusted. Statistical methods are used widely in many kinds of work, ranging from research in the biological, social, and physical sciences to applications in law, medicine, government decision-making, finance, accounting, engineering, and actuarial work.