Which of the following distinguishes descriptive statistics from inferential statistics?

Descriptive statistics are specifically designed to summarize and describe the features of a dataset, providing a clear and succinct overview of the data’s main characteristics. This includes measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, which help to convey essential information about the data's distribution and central tendencies.

On the other hand, inferential statistics go further by allowing researchers to make predictions or inferences about a population based on a sample of data drawn from that population. It involves techniques such as hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and regression analysis, which enable statisticians to draw conclusions that extend beyond the immediate data at hand.

The distinction between these two forms of statistics is fundamentally about their purpose and application—descriptive statistics focus on summarizing and organizing data, whereas inferential statistics are concerned with making predictions or generalizations based on that data. Thus, the correct identification in the context provided differentiates between the scope and objectives of each statistical approach.