What are Descriptive Statistics Essay - 1931 Words

WHAT ARE DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS? Before we continue the discussion about the basic descriptive data elements that are needed to answer the question I previously posed, it is important to understand what we mean by descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics describe the features of the data collected. In other words, descriptive statistics describe â€Å"what† the data looks like, but it does not tell you why or how data elements interact or influence one another. Descriptive statistics provide a defender with summaries about the data collected and these summaries may be either quantitative or visual. Quantitative descriptive statistics are the sum of data points that are usually reported as total numbers or averages in a report. For†¦show more content†¦A defender can compile these numbers into simple graphics (i.e. pie charts, bar charts, diagrams), to look at a picture that can graphically describe the data collected. Inferential statistics are used to make predictions about the interaction (or correlation) between different variables. With inferential statistics, you use statistical formulas to reach conclusions or make predictions that extend beyond describing the total number variables found in the data that you collect. For example, a defender can use inferential statistics to infer that the early appointment of counsel improves dispositional outcomes for persons charged with the murder in the first degree. You can use inferential statistics to explain an observed difference between certain types of cases and say that the change (or improved outcome) is dependent on certain action and that the change in that outcome did not happen by chance. By using inferential statistical analysis you can say that an independent variable (a variable that stands alone and is not changed by another variable) is causing a reaction in a dependent variable, and if you consistently observe specific reaction then w e can we say with certainty that the independent variable will consistently cause the same reaction (that it is statistically significant) on the dependent variable. Inferential statistics are used to make predictions from the data that allow you make generalizations about a specific set of circumstances. TheShow MoreRelated1. What Are Descriptive Statistics and How Do They Differ from Inferential Statistics?1000 Words   |  4 Pages1. What are descriptive statistics and how do they differ from inferential statistics? INTRODUCTION Statistical procedures can be divided into two major categories: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Typically, in most research conducted on groups of people, you will use both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse your results and draw conclusions. So what are descriptive and inferential statistics? And what are their differences?We have seen that descriptive statisticsRead MoreDescriptive and Inferentail Statistics Essay889 Words   |  4 PagesDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper Statistics are used for descriptive purposes, and can be helpful in understanding a large amount of information, such as crime rates. Using statistics to record and analyze information, helps to solve problems, back up the solution to the problems, and eliminate some of the guess work. In Psychology there has to be a variable or variables to be organized, measured, and expressed as quantities. InformationRead MoreDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper1139 Words   |  5 PagesDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper PSY 315 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Whether doing original research or conducting literature reviews, one must conclude what a powerful and versatile tool statistics are in the hands of researchers. From basic statistics such as data description, to using complex statistical methods to foresee future patterns or strengthen scientific claims about current climates, the role of statistics in research cannot be taken lightly and is essentialRead MoreDescriptive and Inferential Statistics955 Words   |  4 PagesDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Statistical methods in psychology have two main branches, which are descriptive and inferential. They each play a major part in the data that is collected for research and other studies. This paper will show the functions of statistics, how descriptive and inferential statistics are defined and the relationship between the two. Statistics is a necessary tool in psychology. It provides data for research studies as well as providing background information andRead MoreDescriptive and Inferential Statistics1122 Words   |  5 PagesRunning head: DESCRIPTIVE AND INFERENTIAL STATISTICS 1 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics DESCRIPTIVE AND INFERENTIAL STATISTICS 2 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Descriptive and inferential statistics are incredibly similar forms of research testing within psychology. Each seeks to analyze, describe, and possibly predict a population’s behavior. As with psychology itself, statistical analysis within psychology began as a philosophy (Goodwin, 2008). This philosophy quicklyRead MoreUnderstanding Business Research Terms and Concepts Part 21644 Words   |  7 PagesResearch 31 Mar 2015 Biman Ghosh Descriptive statistics is the term given to the analysis of data that helps describe, show or summarize data in a meaningful way such that, for example, patterns might emerge from the data. Descriptive statistics do not, however, allow us to make conclusions beyond the data we have analysed or reach conclusions regarding any hypotheses we might have made. They are simply a way to describe our data. Descriptive statistics are very important because if we simplyRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Descriptive And Inferential Statistics932 Words   |  4 PagesDescriptive and Inferential Statistics Statistics has been a form of research for many years. There are several professions that depend on statistics to help their research to grow and flourish within society. Professions like psychology and medicine often use some sort of statistics to help them better understand their work. There are two types of statistics that are used often in research. There is descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Throughout this paper, I hope to explain the distinctRead MoreUnderstanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2 Essay914 Words   |  4 Pages Linda F Florence Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2 Descriptive statistics Descriptive statistics suggests a straightforward quantitative outline of a data-set which has been gathered. It helps us comprehend the experimentation or data-set in-detail and tells people concerning the mandatory details that help show the data perceptively. Descriptive statistics, we just convey exactly what the data reveals and tell us. Most of the statistical averages and numbers we estimateRead MoreDescriptive and Inferential Statistics699 Words   |  3 PagesWhen faced with an analysis of a situation which deals with a population, an analyzer will incorporate both descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate his or her results and create a credible conclusion. Descriptive statistics provides information focused on an immediate group of data. After defining what needs to be analyzed, the descriptive statistics will help the analyzer abridge the data to a more meaningful and comprehendible form, which will then provide patterns in his or her researchRead MoreUse of Descriptive Statistics over Inferential Statistics659 Words   |  3 PagesQ1. When would you use descriptive over inferential statistics? Provide a specific scenario and explain your rationale. Descriptive statistics is the term given to the analysis of data that helps describe, show or summarize data in a meaningful way such that, for example, patterns might emerge from the data (Understanding descriptive and inferential statistics, 2012, Laerd). Examples of descriptive statistics include an analysis of central tendency (the position of most members of the group in