# Statistics
Methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data.
Canonical page: https://givegigs.com/wiki/statistics
Last updated: 2026-11-09T19:00:06.295Z
Parent topic: [research](https://givegigs.com/wiki/research)
## Contents
- [Overview](#wiki-section-overview-1)
- [Start with the question and data](#wiki-section-study-design-2)
- [Interpretation and uncertainty](#wiki-section-interpret-3)
## Overview
Statistics is the discipline of learning from data, including how data are collected, summarized, modeled, and interpreted. Descriptive statistics summarize observed data; inferential statistics use a sample and assumptions to reason about a broader population or process. A numerical summary is meaningful only alongside its definitions and context.
Explore related topics:
- [probability](https://givegigs.com/wiki/probability)
- [sampling](https://givegigs.com/wiki/sampling)
- [measurement](https://givegigs.com/wiki/measurement)
- [correlation](https://givegigs.com/wiki/correlation)
- [causation](https://givegigs.com/wiki/causation)
## Start with the question and data
Define the question, population, units, variables, and time period before choosing a statistic. Ask how observations were selected and measured, which groups may be missing, and whether the data quality fits the question. Large datasets can still be biased or incomplete; precision in calculation does not repair a weak design.
## Interpretation and uncertainty
Show the scale, denominator, and uncertainty where relevant. An average can hide variation; a rate needs a population and time window; an association does not establish cause. Explain assumptions and practical significance as well as statistical results, and avoid implying more certainty than the data support.
## Sources
- [American Statistical Association: What Is Statistics?](https://www.amstat.org/your-career/what-is-statistics)
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