Statistiek en die statistikus in diens van die gemeenskap

Abstract

During the course of many centuries Statistics has developed from a political science concerned with the analysis of facts about the State, to a mathematical science for studying the observations of non-deterministic phenomena. Almost all empirical sciences contributed something of importance to the subject so that, historically, statistics developed out of the community for the needs of the community.

In an academic department of Statistics there are three major aims namely the practice of the science, the transfer of knowledge and service to the community. The value of the subject lies in the contribution that it renders to the design of scientific investigations and the provision of a methodology for the analysis and interpretation of the results of such investigations. As a consultant the statistician also plays an important role in the advancement of research in other disciplines. As far as the subject itself is concerned, there exists an interaction between teaching, consultation, theoretical research and applied research. In all walks of life statisticians are co-responsible for future forecasts which will affect the quality of life of the community.