Descriptive statistics are used to summarize and describe the important characteristics of a dataset. Descriptive statistics primarily focused with organizing, summarizing, and presenting data in a meaningful way without making any generalizations beyond the data itself. Descriptive statistics provide a summary of the sample under study without making any inferences based on probability theory (Kaliyadan & Kulkarni, 2019). Inferential statistics typically follows the collection and summarization of data. Inferential statistical methods enable the extrapolation of insights from a smaller group to potentially represent a larger population. Inferential statistic can be utilized to test hypotheses, make predictions, and draw conclusions about populations based on sample data (Cardei et al., 2023). This statistical type can rely on probability theory and inferences to generalize and predictions. In my experience as a student and researcher, inferential statistics provides insights into population parameters and relationships.

An example of descriptive statistics would be having data of names of 80 students, their major areas of study, and their ages. If the researcher needed to describe which major has the highest graduation rate, descriptive statistic can summarize the most frequent choice of major. In a hypothetical case, the data list would show that the major of business has the most graduates, in comparison to other majors such as math and psychology.

An example of inferential statistics, looking at a significant difference in the student test scores between two groups. One group participated in a tutoring program and another group did not. By utilizing inferential statistical, researchers can infer whether the observed difference in test scores is likely due to the tutoring program. In a hypothetical case, if the tutoring group demonstrated overall higher scores, then it can be inferred that if a larger group of students participates in the tutoring group, their test scores will increase.

Assignment

Review the above passage and explain why you agree with the author's point of view on descriptive and inferential statistics. Provide in-text citation to support your answers.