Statistics is essential to scientific discovery. Most biological studies involve five basic steps, each of which requires statistics:
Step 1: Choose an Experimental Design
Clearly define the scientific question and the methods necessary to tackle the question.
Step 2: Collect Data
Gather information about the natural world through observations and experiments.
Step 3: Organize and Visualize the Data
Use tables, graphs, and other useful representations to gain intuition about the data.
Step 4: Summarize the Data
Summarize the data with a few key statistical calculations.
Step 5: Make Inferences from the Data
Use statistical methods to draw general conclusions from the data about the world and the ways it works.