Applied Statistics

Whether you really enjoy, simply tolerate or truly hate the study of statistics, you are not alone. Consider the opinions of others who have publically expressed their thoughts on the matter:

“Statistics: the mathematical theory of ignorance.”

• quote by Morris Kline (1908 –1992), who was an American Professor of Mathematics at New York University and a writer on the history, philosophy, and teaching of mathematics.

“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp posts
—for support rather than illumination.”

• quote by Andrew Lang (1844 –1912), who was a Scottish poet, novelist,  and literary critic. He is best known as a collector of folk and fairy tales.

“Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary
for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write.”

• quote by H.G. Wells (1866-1946), who was an English author, futurist, essayist, historian, socialist, and teacher. He is best remembered for his science fiction novels and is called by some as the ‘Father of Science Fiction.’

Nonetheless, no matter one’s personal opinion, it is wise not to be too dismissive of this subject. Though some have treated it as just another form of lying, there is strong evidence that its predictive powers can no longer be ignored.

In the video, entitled The Code: Prediction, Professor Du Sautoy of Oxford University reveals how a numerical code can be used to predict natural phenomenon and human behavior. He suggests that the number 1.15 is as important for the future of mankind as π (3.14159...) was for its past. Even if the happenings in the world are fundamentally chaotic , he asserts that the ‘wisdom of the crowd’  - the grand mean, if you like - can predict events with astonishing accuracy.

For these and many other reasons, Statistics has become an important discipline of study and research in our modern world – despite its relatively recent emergence as a field of applied mathematics. Sir Ronald Fisher (1890 – 1962) was an English statistician and evolutionary biologist who is credited with almost single-handedly laying the foundations for modern statistical science. It was said that he amazed his teachers and peers by his ability to conjecture or predict mathematical solutions without any notes or interim justifications.

Another statistician of great importance is, surprisingly for some, Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910) – also recognized by many as the founder of modern nursing. She pioneered the use of social statistics using data she had collected when she had encountered unsanitary and under-supplied hospital conditions. For example, she developed graphical techniques to illustrate that, during the Crimean War (1853 – 1856), more soldiers had died as a result of unsanitary conditions than were killed in combat. Ultimately, through such statistical presentations to the Houses of the British Parliament at the time and through their intervention, she was instrumental in improving these conditions.

Her compassion and self-sacrificing nature coupled with her ability to collect, arrange and present large amounts of data have led some to call her the “Passionate Statistician” and the “Lady with Stats” – not to mention her persona as the “Lady with the Lamp.”

Last Updated by SAS October 07, 2026, 16:00:35