Breaking misconceptions - Statistics and its relationship to mathematics

Abstract

Statistics is about solving real problems. An undue emphasis on its mathematical foundations is detrimental to the discipline - it leads to restrictions on its perceived value so that statisticians and those who might otherwise benefit from its methods lose out. Although mathematics lies at its core, statistics as a discipline involves several essential components beyond mathematics. Notably among these are an appreciation of the concepts and methods of the area to which statistical techniques are being applied and computational skills. The range of potential applications of statistical ideas is vast - and is growing. It is important that the discipline of statistics should not let itself be marginalized by an apparent obsession with mathematical niceties.