Whereas the data analysis techniques discussed in Chapter 10 were for descriptive purposes, and the statistics described therefore are termed descriptive statistics, the techniques to be discussed in this chapter are for the purpose of inferring whether the outcome difference between groups, or between pretest data and posttest data, can be attributed to chance – that is, when the differences are not statistically significant. Therefore, the techniques to be discussed in this chapter are called inferential statistics. The chapter will begin with an explanation of the meaning of inferential data analysis, its utility, and its different types. Then it will discuss its limitations and why it is important to have a nuanced and balanced outlook regarding whether differences between groups are statistically significant.
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