What is statistical analysis? (2024)

Statistical analysis is the collection and interpretation of data in order to uncover patterns and trends. It is a component ofdata analytics. Statistical analysis can be used in situations like gathering research interpretations, statistical modeling or designing surveys and studies. It can also be useful for business intelligence organizations that have to work with large data volumes.

In the context of business intelligence (BI), statistical analysis involves collecting and scrutinizing everydata samplein a set of items from which samples can be drawn. A sample, in statistics, is a representative selection drawn from a totalpopulation.

The goal of statistical analysis is to identify trends.A retail business, for example, might use statistical analysis to find patterns inunstructuredand semi-structured customer data that can be usedto create a more positive customer experience and increase sales.

Steps of statistical analysis

Statistical analysis can be broken down into five discrete steps, as follows:

  • Describe the nature of the data to be analyzed.
  • Explore the relation of the data to the underlying population.
  • Create amodelto summarize an understanding of how the data relates to the underlying population.
  • Prove (or disprove) the validity of the model.
  • Employpredictive analyticsto run scenarios that will help guide future actions.

Statistical analysis software

Software for statistical analysis will typically allow users to do more complex analyses by including additional tools for organization and interpretation of data sets, as well as for the presentation of that data. IBM SPSS Statistics, RMP and Stata are some examples of statistical analysis software. For example, IBM SPSS Statistics covers much of the analytical process. From data preparation and data management to analysis and reporting. The software includes a customizable interface, and even though it may be hard form someone to use, it is relatively easy for those experienced in how it works.

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What is statistical analysis? (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of statistical analysis? ›

Statistical analysis is the process of collecting and analyzing data in order to discern patterns and trends. It is a method for removing bias from evaluating data by employing numerical analysis.

What is statistical analysis examples? ›

For example, you can use descriptive statistical analysis to find the average age of drivers with a ticket in a municipality. Descriptive statistics can also find the measure of spread. For example, you can find the age range of drivers with a DUI and at-fault car accidents in a state.

What are the 5 basic methods of statistical analysis? ›

The five basic methods are mean, standard deviation, regression, hypothesis testing, and sample size determination. It is widely used by governments, businesses, banking entities, insurance companies, etc.

Why statistical analysis is important? ›

Many businesses rely on statistical analysis to organize collected information and predict future trends based on that data. While organizations have lots of options on what to do with their big data, statistical analysis is a way to examine that data as a whole, as well as break it down into individual samples.

What are the two main types of statistical analysis? ›

Two main statistical methods are used in data analysis: descriptive statistics, which summarizes data using indexes such as mean and median and another is inferential statistics, which draw conclusions from data using statistical tests such as student's t-test.

What is the difference between data analysis and statistical analysis? ›

Broadly, while data analytics observes trends and patterns in data, Statistics validates those theories using scientific processes.

What should a statistical analysis include? ›

In the context of business intelligence (BI), statistical analysis involves collecting and scrutinizing every data sample in a set of items from which samples can be drawn. A sample, in statistics, is a representative selection drawn from a total population. The goal of statistical analysis is to identify trends.

How is statistical analysis done? ›

Statistical methods involved in carrying out a study include planning, designing, collecting data, analysing, drawing meaningful interpretation and reporting of the research findings. The statistical analysis gives meaning to the meaningless numbers, thereby breathing life into a lifeless data.

What is a real life example of statistical analysis? ›

What are some examples of statistics? Statistics can be used in real life to plan budgets, determine the best routes to travel, find the best prices for products bought and sold, and the best times to perform various daily activities.

What is an example of a statistical data? ›

For example, a fitness tracker may report that you've taken an average of 10,000 steps per day over the past week, or a nutrition app might tell you that you've consumed an average of 2,000 calories per day. These statistics can help you understand your habits and make informed decisions about your health.

How do you write a statistical analysis method? ›

Statistical methods should be described in details, including type of the test used for either linear or nonlinear measurements. In addition, describe any other method used to examine subgroups variables. The software used should be stated with the version and source.

What is the simple definition of statistical? ›

adjective. sta·​tis·​ti·​cal stə-ˈti-sti-kəl. : of, relating to, based on, or employing the principles of statistics. statistical analysis.

How do you run a statistical analysis in Excel? ›

Simply select a cell in a data range > select the Analyze Data button on the Home tab. Analyze Data in Excel will analyze your data, and return interesting visuals about it in a task pane.

Can Excel be used for data analysis? ›

Microsoft Excel is one of the most used programs for data analysis, with the built-in pivot tables being the most popular analytic tool.

What statistical test to use? ›

T-tests are used when comparing the means of precisely two groups (e.g., the average heights of men and women). ANOVA and MANOVA tests are used when comparing the means of more than two groups (e.g., the average heights of children, teenagers, and adults).

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