Definition: Statistical purpose

Category: General concept

Statistical purposes include description, evaluation, analysis, and inference for groups of individuals or other units; they do not include interest in or identification of an individual person or economic unit. A statistical agency collects data directly from providers or from other sources for statistical purposes. It does not use these data for nonstatistical purposes, such as regulation or law enforcement. It also protects the confidentiality of responses collected under a confidentiality pledge and safeguards individual records against unauthorized access. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/ramon/statmanuals/files/Principles_and_Practices_for_a_Federal_Statistical_Agency_6th_Edition.pdf