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Importance of Teaching Statistics to the Students of Agriculture

M. Z. A. Khan
Department of Agricultural Statistics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The students of agriculture are afraid of mathematics. It is true the methodology of statistics derives from mathematical theory and most important methods depend upon extensions to that theory. But ability in mathematics is not essential to all who make use of established methods. Aversion to mathematical formulae need not deter a researcher from understanding the main lines of statistical thought, and even from undertaking some applications of statistical method to his/her own problems. In statistics 'cook-book' attitude is tempting but exceedingly dangerous. Unless supported by understanding of the under lying logic,attempts to learn just one or two methods of analysis required in a particular area of research often lead to erroneous procedure. So, instead of resorting to erroneous procedure, an agricultural researcher can be contended with a knowledge of principles and take his/her problems of technique to the professional statistician. But this must be done before starting an investigation .

Keywords: Methodology of statistics. Investigation, Statistical techniques,Agriculture

Location: BAU, Mymensingh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Knowledge Management

Non-commodity: Analysis and interpretations

Objectives:

To impart knowledge of the general principles on which statistics is founded and the manner in which it enters into so many agricultural problems.

Methodology:

Statistical techniques are increasingly being applied in the field of agriculture. But in many instances, subject specialists are una Nare of the particular statis tical techniques which can help them in the design of their experiments or analysis of results So, there is a need to give them a back-ground knowledge of app· lied statistical techniques. This can give them an idea of possible areas of application of statistics to their own field of study, can enable them to apply statistical techniques in straightforward situations and can lastly allow them to speak sufficient of statistician's language to promote fruitful collaboration. For students of agriculture, the object is less to teach to undertake their own statistical analysis than to bring them to the point at which they can converse usefully with statisticians experienced in agricultural problems. The theme is the interaction between the research investigator and the statist!cian, with emphasis on the responsibilities of each and the contribution that each should make to the better understanding of a problem . The recent development and application of statistical theory and methodology to the design analysis and interpretation of agricultural and biological experimentation have made all the more important the teaching of statistics to the students of agriculture.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Agril. Sci. 20 (1)1 -184, January, 1993 ISSN 0379-4296

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The recent development and application of statistical theory and methodology to the design analysis and interpretation of agricultural and biological experimentation have made all the more important the teaching of statistics to the students of agriculture. Aim is to teach them to be able to communicate with a statistician, not to be one. It is true that the development of high- speed computers has made practicable statistical analysis on a scale that could not have been considered twenty years ago. The biologist who understands the nature of statistical thought but is unfamiliar with the detail of analytical techniques can receive effective help from the computers but one who neglects the principles and applies to his problem uncritically chosen method of analysis may create a piece of scientific nonsense. So,acceptance of statistical methods through computers does not reduce the need for sound training in the principles.

Knowledge Management: Journal