'Statistics' is derived from the term 'state'. It indicates the quantitative state of a system. This term is given by German scholar Gottfried Achenwall in mid eighteenth century.Statistics can be used as both singular and plural nouns.

In singular sense, it is the aggregate of scientific methods consisting of collection of data, presentation of data, analysis and interpretation.It can be expressed as " Statistics is a very interesting subject."

In plural sense it is a statement of quantitative facts in numerical form related to human experience. For example, statistics of successful run chases in a cricket ground.

Functions: Statistics has many applications in almost every field of human interest. It reveals the significance of complex data through various diagrams, tables etc. Thus it facilitates comparison of data. Then the data can be analysed using different methods and ultimately reached to a conclusion. Statistics is useful in different hypothesis and surveys. It can also be used to estimate any future quantity.

Drawbacks: Statistics suffers from some serious limitations:

1.) It is not concerned with individual item rather concerned with aggregate of facts.

2.) It is concearned with only quantitative but not qualitative data.

3.) Statistical laws are based on average.

4.) Statistics can be misinterpreted easily.