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Statistics is the
bridge between the data you have and the insight you
need. The scope ranges from simple summaries and
exploratory analyses to complex modeling and hypothesis
testing.
Summary Statistics
Summary statistics
provide a snapshot of a system without attempting to
explain what's going on behind the scenes or to predict
how things might change. Presented
as tables or simple plots, these give you an overview of
the information contained within your data. Summary
statistics are ideal when you simply need to record and
report on the data you collected, whether it's a
laboratory experiment or a nationwide survey.
Exploratory Data
Analysis
Often a precursor
to more detailed statistical analysis and modeling, but
still a very valuable exercise. The book begins to
explore the relationships between the variables within
the data set, to identify patterns and trends that help
you understand what's going on.
Assumptions will
be tested to understand what sorts of processes might be
involved in generating your data. Sophisticated visualization
techniques are used to display complex relationships in
an easily-digestible manner to help you communicate the
results and understand in simple terms what's going on.
Statistical
Analysis
Statistical
analyses range from hypothesis tests to predictive
models. They are used to answer specific questions,
either about what's happening now or what might happen
in the future. They provide a detailed insight into your
data to create clear conclusions and motivate
intelligent decisions.
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How
and Why...Statistics 
