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presumptive population.

4.2.2 Types of Data Analysis

Statistical analysis of data is classified into the following two
broad areas:
◆ Descriptive statistics

◆ Inferential statistics

4.2.2.1 Descriptive Statistics
Descriptive statistics is used to describe, show or summarise
data points. It describes the nature of an object or phenomenon

◆ Describes under study and provides us with profiles of organisations, work
characteristics groups, persons, and other subjects. It describes the pattern and
trends of data. It gives you a conclusion of the distribution of data
and also enables to identify similarities among variables.

Descriptive statistics can be categorised into three types which
are measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, and
measures of shapes.

i. Measures of central tendency: In descriptive statistics, it is
◆ Average important to find out the Central (or average) Tendency or response.
Central tendency is measured with the use of three averages- mean,
median, and mode. Out of this, mean is arithmetical average.
Median and mode are positional averages.
ii. Measures of dispersion: It provides information about the
◆ Variability of the spread or variability of the data. Sometimes it is important to know
data how data is divided across a range. It includes range, inter-quartile
range, variance and standard deviation.
iii. Measures of shape: It provides information regarding the
◆ Normal or skewed shape of the data- whether the data is normal or skewed. It includes
skewness, kurtosis, and scatter plot.
4.2.2.2 Inferential Statistics
Inferential statistics is concerned with drawing inferences
and conclusion from the findings of a research study. Inferential
statistics focuses on the testing hypotheses to ascertain the
◆ Facilitate degree of validity with which evidence can be used to support a
interpretation conclusion or series of conclusions. The estimation of population
values is another issue it addresses. The task of making inferences
and conclusions is carried out primarily on the basis of inferential
statistics. Inferential statistics are also known as sampling statistics.
Inferential statistics includes:

i. The estimation of population parameters from the results of

154 SGOU - SLM -MCom Research Methodology