Please describe the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics. (5 marks)

Purpose: Descriptive statistics is used to describe, summarize, and organize data in a meaningful way. It provides simple summaries about the sample and the measures. On the other hand, inferential statistics is used to make predictions or inferences about a population based on observations and analyses of a sample.

Data Used: Descriptive statistics is used to present an accurate description of the data collected from a specific group. It deals with the actual data that has been gathered. Inferential statistics, however, is used to make assumptions or predictions about a larger group (population) based on the data collected from a smaller group (sample).

Methods: Descriptive statistics uses methods such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, etc. to describe the data. Inferential statistics uses methods such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, etc. to make predictions about a population.

Uncertainty: In descriptive statistics, there is no uncertainty as it deals with the actual data collected. However, in inferential statistics, there is always a level of uncertainty as predictions are made about a population based on a sample.

Application: Descriptive statistics is often used in the initial exploration of data, to present data in a meaningful way, and to form the basis for further statistical analysis. Inferential statistics is used when data is viewed as a subclass of a specific population.