Statisticians work with theoretical and applied statistics in both the private and public sectors. The core of that work is to measure, interpret, and describe the world and human activity patterns within it. The field shares much common history with positivist social science, but often with a greater emphasis on advanced mathematical methods.

It is common to combine statistical knowledge with expertise in other subjects. The applications are varied. Statisticians apply their knowledge to production, research, finance, medicine, the built and natural environments, insurance and government. They often are employed to support managerial decisions or to supervise quality control in manufacturing.

Contents 1 Nature of the work 2 History 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Nature of the work

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2006, there were 19,000 jobs classified as statistician in the United States. Of these people, 41 percent worked for governments (federal, state, or local). Additionally, there are substantial numbers of persons who use statistics in their work but have job titles other than statistician.^[1] The job of statistician is considered a profession. Most statisticians work in offices and have regular working hours and can therefore be considered white-collar workers. A minority of statisticians are self-employed statistical consultants.

Most employment as a statistician requires a minimum of a masters degree in statistics or a related field. Many professional statisticians have a PhD.

[edit] History

Civilizations have used the work of statisticians for thousands of years. Statistics was employed in ancient Egypt in censuses of population and cattle. Typical work might involve developing a model and sampling plans, analyzing survey results, or contributing to agricultural or econometric forecasts.

[edit] See also

• List of statisticians
• Adolphe Quetelet
• Auguste Comte
• Emile Durkheim
• Positivism
• Antipositivism

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Statistician entry, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Careers Center, American Statistical Association
• Careers information, Royal Statistical Society (UK)
• Listing of tasks and duties - The International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO)
• Listings of nature of work etc - O*NET

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