The functions or steps of statistics are

discussed below-
1. Data Collection: The first and main task of statistics is to collect accurate data in an orderly
and systematic manner through census survey or sample survey. And data is the raw material
of statistical research Therefore it is advisable to collect accurate data in a scientific manner
with special care and skill in accordance with the objective of the research.

2. Processing of Data: Data collected from a research field is initially random or unstructured
and may contain errors. Processing of collected data is the second stage of statistical analysis.
At this level, errors in the data collected are corrected and the corrected data is stored. Above
all, data is edited at this level.

3. Presentation of Data: Presentation is the third step of statistical study after collecting and
analyzing data. Using classification, tabulation, frequency distribution, graphs and diagrams,
stem and leaf diagrams in accordance with their features, the facts gathered at this level are
presented in a clear, concise, appealing, and vivid manner. This makes comparing two or more
datasets simple.
4. Analysis of Data: The fourth step of statistical analysis is data analysis. By using different
statistical techniques, such as central tendency, dispersion, moments , skewness and kurtosis,
correlation and regression, time series etc., the information presented at this level can be
analyzed and expressed in a clear and concise manner.

5. Interpretation: The interpretation stage of statistical analysis is the last. The properties of the
whole are explained in accordance with the results from this stage of analysis. Because the
researcher must make decisions on the interpretation to be effective.

Apart from the above functions, some other functions of statistics can be noted. For example –

1. Statistics help in prediction.

2. Statistics help in policy making.

3. Statistics help in determining the relationship between different data.

4. Statistics help simplify and understand complex data etc.