What is Statistical Analysis

 

Statistical analysis is a component of data analytics.
In the context of business intelligence (BI), statistical analysis involves collecting and scrutinizing every data sample in a set of items from which samples can be drawn. A sample, in statistics, is a representative selection drawn from a total population.

Statistical analysis can be broken down into five discrete steps, as follows:

• Describe the nature of the data to be analyzed.
• Explore the relation of the data to the underlying population.
• Create a model to summarize understanding of how the data relates to the underlying population.
• Prove (or disprove) the validity of the model.
• Employ predictive analytics to run scenarios that will help guide future actions.

The goal of statistical analysis is to identify trends. A retail business, for example, might use statistical analysis to find patterns in unstructured and semi-structured customer data that can be used to create a more positive customer experience and increase sales.