Interpreting the world through statistics

 

If there's one thing that's certain in a digital world, it's that we are surrounded by ever-increasing amounts of data. From your daily step counts to weather reports to global market trends, data is everywhere.

For Mathematics and Statistics Lecturer Xun Xiao, data is his happy place. It's where he works, showing students every day how "interpreting data through statistical thinking can unlock insights in the world around them."

"Our world is absolutely flooded with data. A news story is data. A photo is data. A video clip is data," Xun says.

"If you want to truly make sense of modern life, you need to understand data, starting from the very basics."

Data though, is "information plus noise."

"The problem is noise often dominates the signal. What you see may not be the truth."

That's where the study of statistics comes in.

"Studying statistics teaches you how to extract meaningful information from a noisy world. It helps you recognize when something is genuinely unusual and when it's simply chance, giving the illusion of a trend.

"The ability to filter noise and uncover what really matters can truly change your life. You learn to make data-informed decisions. And you become much better at detecting misinformation.

"Statistical thinking gives you the clarity to see through bias, propaganda, and misleading claims."

And although statistics is often considered the realm of mathematicians and statisticians, many everyday decisions are statistical without people realizing it, Xun says.

"Buying a house? Understanding long-term trends, economic cycles and spatial variation in prices is a statistical task. Shopping for electronics? Looking at historical price patterns can save a lot of money—Black Friday or Boxing Day deals are not always the best.

"Choosing university papers? Don't rely on one or two opinions—collecting data from multiple former students gives a clearer picture. Statistics gives people tools to make better choices in all sorts of practical situations."

It's the practical aspect that attracted Mathematics major Xun to statistics.

"Statistics allowed me to combine mathematical thinking with real-world problems.

"Doing statistical research means I get to learn new things every day. I work on questions in industrial systems, transportation, veterinary science, food science, natural hazards, and more. The variety keeps the work exciting."

A key reason he stayed in the field is because statistics feels like a toolbox for solving data problems from almost any area, he says.

It is also the reason why the STAT110 paper he teaches is beneficial to students from any background.

"STAT110 is for anyone who wants to build confidence in working with data. Students from Sciences, Health, Business, and the Humanities all take this paper, as well as those who simply want to understand the world more clearly.

"For students dreaming of becoming scientists in the future, this foundation in data literacy is essential, as modern science simply cannot progress without statistical thinking."

He encourages students to enroll for the paper even if they haven't done NCEA Level 3 Math—there's wraparound support to help students succeed.

"The paper is especially valuable for students who feel unsure about mathematics but still want strong analytical skills.

"We provide step-by-step learning materials, regular tutorials, guided examples, and plenty of opportunities for questions. The focus is on intuition and interpretation rather than advanced mathematics.

"All tutorials are run in person, supervised by tutors, and often by me as well. With steady engagement, students from all backgrounds can succeed in this paper."

Summer School provides a wonderful opportunity to dive into the world of statistics, Xun says.

"During the main semester, the paper attracts more than 400 students, creating a vibrant and diverse learning environment. In Summer School, with a smaller class of around 50–60 students, learners who would like to try a different setting can enjoy a slightly more focused and interactive experience.

"As Shakespeare wrote, 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.' Summer School really does offer a gentler pace and a brighter learning atmosphere."

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