What are the two meanings of statistics?

Statistics has two primary meanings. The first meaning refers to the field of study that involves collecting, analyzing, interpreting, presenting, and organizing data. This encompasses various methods and techniques used to draw conclusions from data. The second meaning of statistics pertains to the numerical values or data points themselves, such as averages, percentages, or counts derived from a set of observations. For example, when a researcher reports that seventy percent of participants in a study preferred a particular product, that percentage is a statistic. Understanding both meanings is essential for effectively applying statistical concepts in research and data analysis.