How to study statistics

Abstract

Why do people study Statistics? As a statistician I would like to think that all are fired with enthusiasm to become one — to be able to devise an opinion poll that would correctly forecast the General Election results; to compile unemployment statistics in such a way that Sir Keith Joseph and others would be satisfied; or to devise an experiment so that the best combination of fertilizers could be evaluated to give the highest crop yield at lowest economic cost. I am, however, a realist. Whilst it is true that a very small minority study to become statisticians (ability in Mathematics and a knowledge thereof to at least “A” level is essential) the great majority study simply because it is a compulsory subject in an examination. A glance at my local evening institute prospectus shows numerous classes in Drama, Creative Writing, Languages, etc., most of which are designed for people to improve their knowledge for pleasure or perhaps to help on a holiday abroad. But a class in Statistics? One for the accountants, maybe.

Citation

Friend, D. (1976), "How to study statistics", Education + Training, Vol. 18 No. 8, pp. 230-236. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb016420