What term describes an estimation, prediction, or generalization about a population based on sample information?

The term "statistical inference" is used to describe estimations, predictions, or generalizations about a population derived from sample data. This process involves using the information obtained from a smaller group (the sample) to draw conclusions about a larger group (the population). By applying statistical methods, one can make inferences regarding average values, proportions, or other characteristics of the population based on the observed data in the sample.

Statistical inference plays a crucial role in various disciplines, allowing researchers and analysts to estimate a population's parameters, conduct hypothesis testing, and interpret data findings in a broader context. It encompasses techniques like confidence intervals and significance testing, which aim to quantify the uncertainty associated with these estimates.

In contrast, sample analysis refers to the examination of data derived from the sample itself rather than making broader predictions about the population. A population parameter is a specific numerical value summarizing some characteristic of the entire population, rather than the act of making estimations from a sample. Descriptive statistics provide a summary of the sample data, such as mean, median, and mode, without making inferences about the larger population.

Thus, the definition of statistical inference aligns perfectly with the concept of deriving predictions or generalizations about a population based on sample information.