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Descriptive vs. Inferential Statistics
Descriptive statistics summarize the main features of a data set, while inferential statistics use data from a sample to make inferences about a larger population.
Implications
Descriptive statistics summarize data from a sample using measures such as mean, median, and mode, while inferential statistics make predictions or inferences about a population based on a sample of data.
Example
Example: A researcher uses descriptive statistics to summarize survey results with averages and percentages, and inferential statistics to estimate the preferences of the broader population based on the survey sample.
Related Terms
Different from descriptive statistics, which describe the data, inferential statistics involve making predictions or generalizations beyond the data collected.
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