Question

First, provide a definition of descriptive statistics and a definition of inferential statistics. Second, compare and contrast descriptive and inferential statistics (ie., how are these two types of statistics similar, how are they different).

Answer 1

Descriptive statistics uses the data to provide descriptions of the population, either through numerical calculations or graphs or tables. Inferential statistics makes inferences and predictions about a population based on a sample of data taken from the population in question

comparison and contrast of inferential and descriptive stats:

Both descriptive and inferential statistics rely on the same set of data. Descriptive statistics rely solely on this set of data, whilst inferential statistics also rely on this data in order to make generalisations about a larger population.

descriptive statistics Is  one which describes the population. On the other end, Inferential statistics is used to make the generalisation about the population based on the samples. So, there is a big difference between descriptive and inferential statistics,

Descriptive statistics organize, analyze and present data in a meaningful way wheras inferential compares, test and predicts data.

Result is presented in the form of Charts, Graphs and Tables in descriptive whereas on terms of prediction in inferential stats.

The function of descriptive analysis is to explains the data, which is already known, to summarize sample and that of inferential is to reach the conclusion to learn about the population, that extends beyond the data available.

Descriptive  analysis is used to describe a situation and inferential is used to explain the chances of occurence of an event.