The Interpretation of Statistical Data: Effect of Statistical fallacies

Abstract

A statistician having collected and analyzed data has to draw inferences and explain their significance. In interpretation, the researcher goes beyond the descriptive data to extract meaning and insights from the data. Various methods are applied in the collection and analysis of statistical data. Statistics are not an end in themselves but they are a means to an end, the end being to draw certain conclusions from them. This has to be done very carefully, otherwise, misleading conclusions may be drawn and the whole purpose of doing research may get vitiated. A researcher or statistician besides the collection and analysis of data has to draw inferences and explain their significance. Through interpretation the meanings and implications of the study become clear. An analysis is not complete without interpretation, and interpretation cannot proceed without analysis. Both are, thus,interdependent. This paper attempts to articulate some basic steps and processes involved in the interpretation of Statistical data.