The goal of the researcher using inferential statistics is to
A) make better-than-chance predictions
B) predict the characteristics of the entire group, based on measures taken on a smaller group
C) describe the difference between the highest and lowest score
D) a and b, but not c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The goal of inferential statistics is to make predictions that are better than chance and to use measures taken from a smaller group to predict characteristics of the entire group. Inferential statistics are not concerned with the difference between the highest and lowest score, which is a measure of variability. Therefore, choices A and B are both correct, but choice C is not relevant to inferential statistics.

The Goal of the Researcher Using Inferential Statistics Is to