Statistics is normally defined as the compilation of data followed by the analytical and the inferential property of the studied subject. Statistical mainly deals with the numerical analysis part of any subject and therefore by itself is an important part of understanding its inner nature. This is because in each and every subject there is some place where mathematics and research is required. Thus statistics as an instrument of knowledge has a lot of advantages. On the other hand statistics has some disadvantages and demerits as well. For example incorrect data collection and inference and wrong calculation can give misleading results. Thus in this article we are going to describe the positive and the negative side, in other words, the merits and demerits of statistics.

To start of with the merits, we see that statistics deals with numbers and thus gives us a very positive view about any subject. Rather than making it more abstract, it tells us something the way it is. Simply put, the numbers and figures speak for themselves. Thus, in this way, it gives us a very correct picture of what is happening in the environment and nature. Statistical study helps us with planning and better understanding of phenomena belonging to many different fields of study. Quantifying data is what statistics is all about and therefore statistics helps a lot whenever there are data to analyse. Moreover whenever there is any sort of data that is very complex and difficult to interpret, statistics makes it easier by simplifying those data and bringing them into a smaller form, maybe the form of a bar diagram or chart that can give a very good representation of information at a glance. Again when the population under study is very high, statistics helps in drawing a sample and generalizing the results of the intended population in a quick and easy manner. Thus, in this sense, statistics has a lot of major merits.

However with everything good comes something bad and therefore statistics has some demerits as well. The most common demerit and a disadvantage of statistics is that statistics deals with only combined populations and is not very successful with individuals. Each and every individual differs and these individual fluctuations are not very well described, if ever caught at all, by statistical behaviour of the whole population. Thus the generalization which was considered an advantage does not always work in favour of the specific. Again statistical analysis cannot be useful in every sector. There are some sectors that are best left unaltered and any kind of number and statistics done on them will give them a more complex arrangement. Thus in those fields statistics does not play a major role. Statistics believes a lot in comparisons and analysis between data. However if the data do not belong to a same family then statistical analysis cannot be made and becomes redundant. Therefore for statistics to play a major role in the society, the nature of the environment is very important and has to be adapted to that mode.