What type of statistical techniques are utilized to make conclusions based on a sample?

Inferential statistical techniques are utilized to make conclusions about a population based on the analysis of a sample drawn from that population. These techniques allow researchers to make predictions, test hypotheses, and estimate population parameters, drawing general conclusions that extend beyond the specific observations made in the sample.

For example, when conducting inferential statistics, a researcher might calculate confidence intervals or perform hypothesis tests to determine whether observed effects in the sample data likely exist in the broader population. This approach is vital in fields such as healthcare, where making decisions based on a smaller, manageable set of data can lead to informed strategies for treatment, policy-making, and resource allocation.

While descriptive statistics summarize and represent data characteristics, such as measures of central tendency and variability, they do not draw conclusions beyond the observed data. Predictive statistics project future outcomes based on historical data, while analytical statistics encompass various methods used for examining data, which may include both descriptive and inferential techniques. However, it is inferential statistics that specifically focus on making inferences and conclusions about a population based on sample data.