Descriptive statistics

Summaries and displays that describe the observations collected, without by themselves establishing a wider population claim.

Key question

What can a small dataset tell me, and what can it not?

Check your understanding

Find an example, an application and a limit. Explain the concept without using its name, then compare your explanation with a primary source.

Loading your learning…

Claims to examine

  • A precise description of collected data does not by itself justify a population estimate or a causal claim.

    Editorial claim · workingExamine the source →

Follow a learning route

Reading connections