Understanding Statistical Inference

Published

Nov 2026

Chapter status

Outline only. Worked examples, references, and review are still required.

Your question

Distinguish estimates, confidence intervals, effect sizes, and p-values.

When to use this method

To develop: Describe the outcome, sampling unit, and eligible study designs.

What it estimates or tests

To develop: Define the target quantity and null and alternative hypotheses where relevant.

Check before running

To develop: Explain design assumptions and show relevant data checks. Independence comes from the design, not a normality test.

Run the analysis

To develop: Add a reproducible example linked to a chapter script and input dataset.

Understand the output

To develop: Explain the estimate, uncertainty, effect size, and test result without treating a p-value as the probability that the null is true.

Report the finding

To develop: Write an answer tied to the original question, with units and limitations.

Common mistakes and alternatives

To develop: Explain when the method does not answer the question and identify suitable alternatives.

References

To develop: Add authoritative method and software references when developing this chapter.