Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Tests Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Statistics is used in different types of research in order to describe trends and determine relationships between variables. It is possible to agree that, as a result of applying statistical methods, a researcher can analyze and interpret different data sets and respond to the formulated research questions. In this context, a researcher can utilize statistical tests that are appropriate for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies (Lang & Altman, 2016). The selection of statistical tests and methods of analysis depends on the research questions and purpose, as well as on the type of the collected data.

Various statistical tests selected by researchers can be related to descriptive or inferential statistics. It is important to note that descriptive statistics is used when a researcher needs to describe data, demonstrate tendencies and averages, and summarize collected information. Descriptive statistics is effective to organize data in an efficient way, for instance, while presenting sample characteristics and results of the frequency distribution (Gaskin & Happell, 2014). Such data are often summarized in the form of graphs or tables.

Furthermore, in addition to descriptive statistics, it is also important to use inferential statistics to test hypotheses and examine relationships between the set variables. Researchers can analyze the characteristics of their samples and specifics of their variables, as well as assumptions and predictions reflected in hypotheses, in order to choose the most appropriate statistical tests that will help provide data required for answering research questions (Bettany‐Saltikov & Whittaker, 2014). The examples of such tests include t-tests, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, regression analysis, path analysis, and factor analysis among other types. These tests allow for examining associations or correlations between different phenomena.

References

Bettany‐Saltikov, J., & Whittaker, V. J. (2014). Selecting the most appropriate inferential statistical test for your quantitative research study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 23(11-12), 1520-1531.

Gaskin, C. J., & Happell, B. (2014). Power, effects, confidence, and significance: An investigation of statistical practices in nursing research. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 51(5), 795-806.

Lang, T., & Altman, D. (2016). Statistical analyses and methods in the published literature: The SAMPL guidelines. Medical Writing, 25, 31-36.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2020, September 22). Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Tests. https://ivypanda.com/essays/descriptive-and-inferential-statistical-tests/

Work Cited

"Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Tests." IvyPanda, 22 Sept. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/descriptive-and-inferential-statistical-tests/.

References

IvyPanda. (2020) 'Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Tests'. 22 September.

References

IvyPanda. 2020. "Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Tests." September 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/descriptive-and-inferential-statistical-tests/.

1. IvyPanda. "Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Tests." September 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/descriptive-and-inferential-statistical-tests/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Tests." September 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/descriptive-and-inferential-statistical-tests/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1