Definition

Noun: A systematic, mathematical procedure or technique used to collect, analyze, interpret, present, and organize numerical data. It is a formal process for calculating a specific statistic or for drawing conclusions from data.

Usage

This term refers to the specific, often formula-based, processes applied within the field of statistics. It describes the "how" of statistical work, from data gathering to final analysis. - General Use: To describe any standardized technique for handling quantitative information. - Academic/Professional Use: Common in research papers, data science, economics, and social sciences to specify the analytical approach used in a study.

Examples

• The researcher used a complex statistical method to determine the correlation between the two variables.
• Choosing the appropriate statistical method is crucial for the validity of the experiment's results.
• This course teaches fundamental statistical methods for business analytics.

Advanced Usage

• "To apply a statistical method": To use a specific technique on a dataset.
  • We will apply a regression analysis statistical method to the survey results.
• "Robust statistical method": A technique that produces reliable results even when some assumptions of the data are violated.
  • For this messy real-world data, we need a robust statistical method.

Variants and Related Words

• Statistical analysis (n): The broader process of applying statistical methods to data.
• Statistical technique (n): Often used synonymously with "statistical method."
• Methodology (n): The broader system of methods and principles applied in a field of study, which includes statistical methods.

Synonyms

• Analytical procedure
• Quantitative technique
• Statistical procedure

Related Phrases

• Statistical inference: The process of drawing conclusions about a population based on a sample, using statistical methods.
• Statistical testing: The application of methods (like hypothesis tests) to make decisions based on data.

Noun

1. a method of analyzing or representing statistical data; a procedure for calculating a statistic