Reading 4.4-Statistic

In this chapter, the information that I found interesting is about how statistic can change the numerical perception. The word of ‘statistic’ itself has two meanings. According to the reading book, define statistic when it is used with a plural verb, it refer to information about any phenomenon or activity expressed in numerical form, such as vital statistic, college-enrolment figures, and opinion poll percentage. In its singular sense, it denotes the art and science of collecting, presenting, analyzing and interpreting numerical data. In other words, it is, in the second sense, the tool for us to make the maximum use of quantitative measurements and assessments. However, in this chapter is concerned with the use and misuse of statistics and is intended to caution readers into a more informed response to texts that link facts and figures. The importance of statistics in human affairs is obvious from our tendency to associate ‘facts’ closely with ‘figures’. On the other hand, raw, undigested and voluminous figures that are carelessly accumulated are useless and even meaningless. But figures that are systematically collected and properly analyzed can be used as the basis for rational decisions and conclusion. According from example given in reading books says that a table that shows the quantity of bus-tickets of each denomination sold will, for example, help the bus proprietor to decide on whether he should have more buses running short or long distances. Indeed, in an age of science when man tries to be rational, objective and systematic in as many activities as possible, the art and science of statistics is an indispensable analytical tool. I think there are no difficult terms that hardly to understand.