ABRIGANA, ANGEL MAE R.

MAED-ENG 101

DESCRIPTIVE VS. INFERENTIAL STATISTICS: THE BATTLE OF NUMBERS

(A REACTION PAPER)

Descriptive and inferential statistics is a fundamental aspect of

understanding how statistical analysis is conducted and how it informs decision-
making. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics was reported by Sir Jomari O.
Cuesta last September 16, 2023, the report highlighted the importance of the
two on how useful they are to make inference and draw meaningful conclusions.
As what I have gained about the report, Descriptive Statistics is a set of
techniques used to summarize and describe data. They help us understand the
characteristics of a dataset by providing measures such as central tendency
(mean, median, mode) and variability (range, standard deviation). Inferential
statistics, on the other hand, move beyond mere data description and are
employed to draw conclusions or make predictions about a larger population
based on a sample of data.
In conclusion, the main difference between inferential and descriptive
statistics is that descriptive statistics summarize and describe the
characteristics of a dataset, while inferential statistics use this information to
make inferences about a larger population. I realized as an educator, It is
important to understand the difference between these two types of statistics
because they serve different purposes and require different methods of analysis
in educational system. Both are valuable tools in the researcher's toolkit, and
choosing the appropriate method depends on the research question and the
goals of the analysis.