A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

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What is the primary purpose of descriptive statistics?

To make predictions about a population
To summarize or describe features of a data set
To determine relationships between variables
To compare means between groups

The correct answer is: To summarize or describe features of a data set

Descriptive statistics serve the primary function of summarizing and characterizing the main features of a data set. This includes calculating measures such as mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation, all of which provide valuable insights into the central tendency and variability of the data. By using descriptive statistics, researchers can present complex data in a more understandable form, allowing for easy interpretation of the data's key characteristics. In contrast, making predictions about a population is the realm of inferential statistics, which utilizes data from a sample to infer conclusions about a larger group. Determining relationships between variables is typically addressed through correlation and regression analyses, both integral to exploratory research rather than descriptive measurement. Similarly, comparing means between groups involves inferential statistical techniques like t-tests or ANOVAs, which analyze the significance of differences rather than simply describing the data. Thus, the essence of descriptive statistics lies in their ability to present the fundamental aspects of data in a straightforward manner, enabling clearer understanding and communication of findings.