Descriptive statistics are generally used for which of the following? Select the best answer.

• A. Establishing causal relationships between variables
• B. Summarizing and describing the main features of a data set
• C. Making predictions about future events based on data
• D. Testing hypotheses about population parameters

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that descriptive statistics are methods used to summarize and describe the main features of a data set, such as measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and measures of variability (range, variance, standard deviation).
2. Recognize that descriptive statistics do not involve making predictions or testing hypotheses; those tasks fall under inferential statistics.
3. Note that establishing causal relationships requires experimental or inferential methods, not descriptive statistics.
4. Identify that making predictions about future events is related to inferential statistics and modeling, not descriptive statistics.
5. Conclude that the best answer is the one that states descriptive statistics are used for summarizing and describing the main features of a data set.