Statistics, the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics
Statistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data. It involves the use of various mathematical tools and techniques to make sense of large amounts of data and to draw conclusions about the population from the sample.
Descriptive statistics is a set of techniques used to summarize and describe the basic features of a data set. It includes measures of central tendency, such as mean, median, and mode, and measures of variability, such as standard deviation and range. Descriptive statistics provide information about the distribution of data and help to understand the general patterns and characteristics of the data set.
Inferential statistics, on the other hand, involves using sample data to make inferences or draw conclusions about a larger population. It involves hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and regression analysis to draw conclusions about the relationships between variables and to make predictions about future outcomes. The purpose of inferential statistics is to generalize findings from the sample to the larger population.
Overall, the purpose of statistics is to provide a systematic and objective way of analyzing and interpreting data to make informed decisions and draw reliable conclusions. It has applications in a wide range of fields, from medicine and engineering to social sciences and business
