Difference Between Descriptive and Inferential statistics

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Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics serve distinct roles in statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics focus on summarizing and presenting data to reveal its essential characteristics, such as measures of central tendency and variability. This branch provides a comprehensive snapshot of the dataset but does not extend conclusions beyond the observed sample.

On the other hand, inferential statistics go beyond description, utilizing probability theory to make predictions and draw inferences about a larger population based on a sample. Key tools in inferential statistics include hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and regression analysis. These techniques enable researchers to assess hypotheses, estimate population parameters, and explore relationships between variables.