What is Statistics?

 

Welcome 

               to the world of probability,paradoxes and p-values where data moves at nearly the speed of light. Okay, so we have loads of data whizzing around, who is going to make head or tail of it. All those numbers don't crunch themselves.

This is where the statistician comes in, statisticians carry out analysis, interpretation organization and presentation of this data, so informed decisions can be made. But everyone knows being a statistician you never have to be absolutely sure of anything, just reasonably certain.

For example... If a 30 year old man has his head in an oven and his feet in ice A statistician would say that on average he feels fine... Jokes aside, Statistics really do help shape our everyday lives. Still not convinced?

Well, did you watch the weather forecast today to decide whether to hang out the washing or maybe even go on a picnic? Yes, even in Britain. Have you ever thought about how you predict the weather? Statisticians create computer models based on previous weather reports to do this.

Other than forecasting the weather you might be thinking what sectors employ statisticians? Statisticians create computer models based on previous weather reports to do this.

A better question is which sectors don't employ statisticians. Where do we start? Statisticians create computer models based on previous weather reports to do this.

Okay, so did you know pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer employ statisticians? Here they analyze results in preclinical research and clinical trials, to help them develop drugs that are safe and effective. So the next time you get a headache, don't forget to thank the stats boys and girls because without them these drugs would not be on the shelves at your local pharmacy.

More recently Statisticians are getting involved in medicine in particular genetics. We all know there is a link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.

But did you know? Statisticians involved in genetic research have shown certain individuals are more susceptible to lung cancer and nicotine dependency due to genetic factors So whenever you hear there has been a breakthrough in cancer treatment you can bet statisticians have played their part in the research.

On a lighter note this may surprise you Statisticians have shown that left-handed people are better at handling large amounts of stimuli making them naturally better at playing video games.

So the next time you're playing FIFA remember to ask your opponents if they're left-handed. And what about the business side of things, like marketing? Statisticians can use trends on social media platforms to understand customers shopping habits and help global brands like coca-cola effectively market a new fizzy drink. Or ASOS produce their new summer line.

So the next time you click like on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter just remember you could be part of a journey that leads to a new product onto the market. And if you've got the numeracy skills to give Rachel Riley a run for her money you could work in actuarial science.

From evaluating and managing financial risk to providing financial advice to companies and organizations Imagine playing a key role in a merger between two international firms or anticipating a rise and fall in share prices on the FTSE100

How about something a little more down-to-earth from predicting factors affecting population changes of Jaguars in the Amazon rainforest to calculating probabilities of a tsunami environmental statisticians help overcome challenges the environment faces. So if you're a data geek IT savvy

Interested in finding practical solutions to problems in society. Rejoice ! There has never been a better time to be a statistician Best of luck !