The importance of statistics to the process of knowledge and making decision

Abstract

Nowadays statistics has contribute in a significant way to take decisions, because most of what is made is based in quantitative methods, being Statistics one of these areas. At the knowledge and information era, statistics uses mathematics to give support for professionals of private enterprise, govern and researchers. Where there is uncertainty, this tool can be used. On this way, statistics consists on planning, collect, consistence, tabulation, analyses and data interpretation of researches evolving census or survey by sampling. This article has the purpose of bringing an approach about the appearance and the role played by statistics from XX century until nowadays, showing its use and applicability by governmental and business areas, aiming to take decisions correctly. Another goal of this article is to discuss the importance of statistics to private enterprise showing how this science improves companies performance in order to reduce costs and increase profits. In the same way, government, through statistics surveys can establish a representation of social and economics reality, allowing a greater effectiveness the application of public funds applied to welfare and improvement of life conditions.