What is the main focus of statistics?

The main focus of statistics lies in the collection and interpretation of data. Statistics provides the tools and methodologies for gathering data effectively, ensuring that it is representative and relevant to the questions being investigated. Once the data is collected, statistical methods are used to analyze and interpret this data, helping to uncover patterns, trends, and insights. This process is essential for making informed decisions based on empirical evidence, which is a core aspect of statistics.

While analyzing relationships between variables is an important part of statistics, particularly in the context of inferential statistics and regression analysis, it is a subset of the broader focus on data collection and interpretation. Predictions and theoretical calculations also play roles within the field, but they are not the primary focus. The comprehensive nature of statistics encompasses all phases from data gathering through to conclusion drawing, making the collection and interpretation of data the central pillar of the discipline.