Importance of Statistics

Importance of Statistics as an area of study

Statistics supports knowledge in many other learning areas, such as the Commercials (Business and Enterprise Skills, Economics, and so on), Sciences (especially Biology, Agriculture and Geography). Sadly, the recent curriculum changes may have the short-term effect of reducing access to the study of Statistics for school students at Form 5 and 6 level. Under the old curriculum, if you studied Mathematics at Form 5 and 6, Statistics would be included, but with the new curriculum Statistics is now a separate learning area. So it is vital that students who might want to follow the path of Commercials or Sciences (including Agriculture) should study Statistics at Form 3 and 4 level so that they are properly prepared when they go for Form 5 and 6. You will learn practical techniques that are applicable in other learning areas. You will be well equipped for study at A-level, colleges or university. Some of the fields of study at university which rely heavily on statistical skills include the Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, and so on) and the Health sector, in addition to those mentioned above.

Statistics is even used in learning areas in the Humanities. For example, scholars of Religious Studies and Literature use statistical techniques to establish the true authorship of ancient writings.

Knowledge and skills in Statistics give you an advantage in the worlds of employment and enterprise.



The value of Statistics in life

Government, the agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors




Everyone in Zimbabwe is affected by statistics more than they realise. Government makes decisions on the basis of reports made by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (http://zimstat.co.zw). Agriculture, commerce and industry all depend on statistical information to make plans for future operations. Businesses may use information published by Zimstat or they may also employ their own statisticians. They may wish to find out the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns, study the reliability of production machinery or evaluate the staff they employ to see whether resources are being used as efficiently as possible. Statistics will help in all of these and many other ways.



National Census

One example of the Zimbabwe Government’s reliance on up-to-date information is the National Census, conducted every ten years, which provides vital data relating to the whole population of Zimbabwe. This data, once processed, enables the relevant government departments to see how best to provide services like schools, housing, hospitals, roads, and so on.



Sample surveys

A census is not the only tool for gathering statistical data. Sample surveys, including questionnaires and other investigations, can give vital understanding of the day-to-day workings of the economy and society in general. The rate of inflation is one example of a statistical product that affects all of us in our daily lives.



Hospitals, police, schools, farmers, shopkeepers, sportspeople …

Hospitals keep patient statistics to help them to measure the effectiveness of their procedures and make improvements. The police have crime and road accident figures; schools calculate examination result statistics; progressive farmers keep records of crop yields, cash returns on animals sent for slaughter, and so on; shopkeepers need information about sales and stocks held; sports administrators and even sports fans use statistics to follow the progress of their team. In almost every aspect of society it is useful to know how to collect, analyse, communicate and use statistics in a competent way.

Since statistics plays such an important role in Zimbabwe’s development, it is vital to have experts with skills in collecting, analysing and using data. After completing this course you will be able to help others to draw the correct conclusions from such data.