Statistical thinking is a tool for process analysis of phenomena in relatively simple terms, while also providing a level of uncertainty surrounding it.
[2] Statistical thinking relates processes and statistics, and is based on the following principles: "The great body of physical science ... [is] only accessible and only thinkable to those who have had a sound training in mathematical analysis, and the time may not be very remote when it will be understood that for complete initiation as an efficient citizen ... it is necessary to be able to compute, to think in averages and maxima and minima, as it is now to be able to read and write."
The take home message from the experiments is that before management adjusts a process—such as by firing seemingly underperforming employees, or by making physical changes to an apparatus—they should consider all sources of variation in the process that led to the performance outcome.
[4] Statistical thinking is thought to help in different contexts, such as the courtroom,[5] biology labs,[6] and children growing up surrounded by data.
[2] Here is a subset of concepts for students to know, that: Statistical thinking is a recognized method used as part of Six Sigma methodologies.