Differences between descriptive and inferential statistics

Sample Solution

Descriptive statistics are used to summarize data and describe its main features. They can be used to answer questions about the distribution of data, such as the mean, median, and mode. They can also be used to describe the relationships between variables, such as the correlation between crime rates and poverty rates.

For example, a descriptive statistic that could be used to summarize data from a criminal justice crime prevention program is the number of crimes committed in a particular area before and after the program was implemented. This statistic would provide a basic overview of the effectiveness of the program.

Full Answer Section

Inferential statistics are used to make inferences about populations based on samples. They can be used to test hypotheses about the relationship between variables, such as whether there is a statistically significant difference in crime rates between two different areas.

For example, an inferential statistic that could be used to evaluate a criminal justice crime prevention program is the difference in crime rates between a group of people who participated in the program and a group of people who did not participate in the program. This statistic would provide a more rigorous test of the effectiveness of the program.

Here are some statistical tools that can be used to analyze data from a criminal justice crime prevention program:

• Frequency tables: Frequency tables are a simple way to summarize data and show how often different values occur. They can be used to see how crime rates vary by location, time of day, or other factors.
• Histograms: Histograms are a graphical way to display frequency tables. They can be used to see the distribution of data and identify any outliers.
• Correlation coefficients: Correlation coefficients are used to measure the strength of the relationship between two variables. A correlation coefficient of 1 indicates a perfect positive relationship, while a correlation coefficient of -1 indicates a perfect negative relationship. A correlation coefficient of 0 indicates no relationship between the two variables.
• T-tests: T-tests are used to compare the means of two groups. They can be used to test whether there is a statistically significant difference in crime rates between two different areas.
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA): ANOVA is used to compare the means of three or more groups. It can be used to test whether there is a statistically significant difference in crime rates between three different areas.

These are just a few of the statistical tools that can be used to analyze data from a criminal justice crime prevention program. The specific tools that are used will depend on the specific goals of the evaluation.

It is important to note that descriptive statistics and inferential statistics are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are often used together to provide a more complete picture of the data. For example, a descriptive statistic such as the number of crimes committed in a particular area could be used to identify a potential problem area. Inferential statistics could then be used to test whether there is a statistically significant difference in crime rates between the problem area and other areas.

By using a variety of statistical tools, evaluators can get a more complete understanding of the effectiveness of a criminal justice crime prevention program.