Descriptive Statistics and Inferential Statistics Discussion

This is a weekly discussion post. Needs to be 3 to 4 paragraphs in length, APA 7th edition with references.

I will share pearson.com login details to access the Textbook:?Foundations of Nursing Research

Getting Started

Descriptive and inferential statistics are a very important part of research.? Descriptive statistics organize numerical data that was obtained from a sample.??Any time a sample is used to estimate a population, there is a?chance the estimate or sample would not be representative of the population.? Inferential statistics determine the likelihood that the sample chosen is representative of the given population.?

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

• Discuss the differences between descriptive and inferential statistics.?
• Discuss measures of central tendency.?
• Discuss how probability relates to inferential statistics.?
• Discuss correlation and distinguish between a negative and a positive correlation.

Resources

• Textbook:?Foundations of Nursing Research
• Article: Sample size in quantitative research?
• PPT File: Chapter 15
• PPT File: Chapter 16

Background Information

The purpose of statistics is to?generate meaning from?the data so that researchers can draw conclusions and make recommendations for nursing practice.?There are two classifications of statistics; they are descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics describes and organizes data whereas inferential statistics makes inferences about a population.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. Read Chapters?15 and 16 in your textbook:?Foundations of Nursing Research.?
3. Review the article, Sample size in quantitative research: Sample size will affect the significance of your research.
4. View the Chapter 15 and Chapter 16 PowerPoint files.
5. Prepare to discuss the following Discussion Prompts:
   1. Describe the differences between descriptive and inferential statistics.??
   2. Describe how probability (random) sampling?and sample size?relate to inferential statistics?and the ability to generalize the findings to a larger population.??
   3. Discuss what?a?p-value?indicates?about the results?? Why is this important to evidence-based practice????
   4. Describe the difference between causation and correlation.?How does a correlational?measurement demonstrate the strength of the relationship between variables??Provide examples of both a negative and a positive correlation, using?patient satisfaction scores as one of the variables.
6. Find at least two current scholarly sources to support your explanations and insights.