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Inferential Statistics

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Encyclopedia of Public Health
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Definition

Inferential statistics are statistical methods that make it possible to draw tentative conclusions (inferences) about a population based on observations of a sample selected from that population and, furthermore, to make a probability statement about those conclusions to aid in their evaluation. Inferential statistical methods allow us to compare small random samples and then to make statements about the much larger populations they represent with known probabilities of truth. Inferential methods typically take the form of confidence intervals and statistical tests.

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© 2008 Springer-Verlag

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(2008). Inferential Statistics . In: Kirch, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Public Health. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5614-7_1783

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5614-7_1783

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-5613-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-5614-7

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