Introduction to Biometrics

The History of statistics was traced back to around 1749 although over time the concept of the word statistics has evolved. In early times the meaning was restricted to information about states and was later extended to include all collections of information of all types. The concept of statistics was later extended to include the analysis and interpretation of data. In modern terms statistics means both sets of collected information and analytical work which requires statistical inference. Statistical activities are often associated with probabilistic models and require probability theory for them to be put on a firm theoretical basis A number of statistical concepts have had an important impact on a wide range of sciences. These include the design of experiments and approaches to statistical inference such as Bayesian inference each of which can be considered to have their own sequence in the development of the ideas underlying modern statistics.