Question

Explain what inferential statistics are and why they are so important to social scientists.

Answer 1

Inferential statistics draw conclusion about population by samples taken randomly from population.

Inferential statistics is so important for social Scientist because it is a helpful tool for drawing inference about population. For example suppose there is a training program that claims to improve aptitude test scores and an experimenter wants to verify this claim. Eperimenter starts with two groups drawn randomly, one taking the training program and the other not (the control group). Experimenter measures the test scores in the beginning and at the end of the training program , making sure that the starting test scores are, on an average, the same for both test groups. The researcher finds that the aptitude test scores for those who take the training program are higher now, and this difference is statistically significant. Experimenter concludes that the training program is effective in improving test scores. In general, and for all people who takes this training program can improve their aptitude test scores. then this type of statistics is inferential statistics.