History of Statistics

Statistics has been used by the ancient chief in counting the number of effective warriors to defeat
the enemy since wars before were won by the number of trained warriors, the rule also figured out
how much taxes will be collected to maintain their kingdom. These statistics are purely descriptive in
nature.

In the 17th to 18th centuries, mathematicians were asked by gamblers to develop principles that would
improve the chances of winning at cards, dices and coins.

Bernoulli and De Moivre were the two mathematicians who studied probability. In 1730s, De Moivre
developed the equation for the normal curve. During the 19 th century, La Place and Gauss were the
two other mathematicians who applied probability principles to astronomy.

In the early 19th century, a famous Belgian statistician in the name of Quetelet applied statistics to
investigation of social and educational problems. Quetelet was able to develop statistical theory on a
general method of research to science.

Francis Galton had the greatest effect upon the introduction and use of statistics in the social sciences.
His contribution in the field of heredity, eugenics and psychology. The concept of correlation or the
measure of agreement between two variables is credited to him. He also contributed to the
development of centiles and percentiles.

Pearson is another mathematician who collaborated with Galton in developing many of the
correlations and regression formulas that are being used today.

James McKeen Cattell, a famous American psychologist who studied in Europe in 1880 and contacted
Galton and other European statisticians. Upon his return to the United States, he and his students
including E.L Thorndike, apply statistical methods to psychology and educational problems.

In the 20th century, new techniques and methods were applied to study of small samples by R.A.
Fisher, an English statistician. Most of his contributions were applied in agriculture and biological
settings.