The some reasons to study statistics are to be able to effectively conduct research, to be able to read and evaluate journal articles, to further develop critical thinking and analytic skills, to act a an informed consumer, and to know when you need to hire outside statistical help.
The first reason is to be able to effectively conduct research. Without
the use of statistics it would be very difficult to make decisions based on
the data collected from a research project.
The second reason to study statistics is to be able to read journals.
Most technical journals you will read contain some form of statistics.
Usually, you will find them in something called the results section.
Without an understanding of statistics, the information contained in this
section will be meaningless.
The third reason is to further develop critical and analytic thinking skills.
Most students completing high school and introductory undergraduate
coursework have at their disposal a variety of critical thinking and
analytic skills. The study of statistics will serve to enhance and further
develop these skills. To do well in statistics one must develop and use
formal logical thinking abilities that are both high level and creative.
The fourth reason to study statistics is to be an informed consumer. Like
any other tool, statistics can be used or misused.
The fifth reason to have a working knowledge of statistics is to know
when you need to hire a statistician. Most of us know enough about our
cars to know when to take it into the shop. Usually, we don't attempt the
repair ourselves because we don't want to cause any irreparable
damage.
