Descriptive Statistics: Singular vs. Plural - What's the Difference?

[charliemagne]

Is there any difference between the two?

1. Descriptive statistics which is one of the operations of statistics.

2. Descriptive statistics which are numbers used to describe a certain sample or population.

 

[statdad]

It depends on the intent of your statement. If you are referring to the body of tools that comprise it, you say "Descriptive statistics is one of the ..."

If you are referring to to a collection of numbers and saying why they are important, you say "Descriptive statistics are..." (it may be more descriptive to say "These descriptive statistics are..."

Simply the difference between singular case and plural case.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I can confirm that there is indeed a difference between singular and plural descriptive statistics. In the first statement, "Descriptive statistics" is being used as a general term for a statistical operation. In this case, it is singular because it refers to a single concept or idea.

In the second statement, "Descriptive statistics" is referring to a specific set of numbers that describe a sample or population. In this case, it is plural because there are multiple numbers being used to describe the data.

It is important to use the correct form of descriptive statistics depending on the context and the intended meaning. A singular form is used when discussing the concept or operation of descriptive statistics, while a plural form is used when referring to the actual numbers and data being described.

In summary, the difference between the two lies in their usage and meaning in a given context. Both are important in the field of statistics and it is crucial to understand the distinction between them in order to accurately and effectively communicate statistical information.