Is this a descriptive study or an inferential study. I say descriptive......
The table below shows the average income by age group for residents of a small mid-western town in 2001 based on a sample of 200 individuals from each group.
Age Group Average Income
18 – 25 $ 19,256
26 - 40 $ 28,456
41 - 55 $ 35,852
56 - 71 $ 28,986
Over 72 $ 19,258
This is a descriptive study.
To determine whether a study is descriptive or inferential, we need to understand the purpose of the study. In a descriptive study, the aim is to describe and summarize a set of data or characteristics of a specific population. This study provides information on the average income based on different age groups in a small mid-western town in 2001. The data is collected from a sample of 200 individuals from each age group.
Descriptive studies often involve summarizing data using measures such as averages, percentages, or graphs. In this case, the table provides the average income for each age group.
On the other hand, an inferential study aims to make inferences or draw conclusions beyond the specific data being studied. It involves using statistical analysis to generalize the findings to a larger population or draw cause-and-effect relationships.
Since this study is primarily presenting the observed data without attempting to make any generalizations or draw conclusions beyond the specific data, it falls under the category of a descriptive study.