The Difference Between Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
In summary, the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics can be described as follows:
Descriptive statistics use summary statistics, graphs, and tables to describe a data set. This is useful for helping us gain a quick and easy understanding of a data set without pouring over all of the individual data values.
Inferential statistics use samples to draw inferences about larger populations. Depending on the question you want to answer about a population, you may decide to use one or more of the following methods: hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, and regression analysis. If you do choose to use one of these methods, keep in mind that your sample needs to be representative of your population, or the conclusions you draw will be unreliable.