What Do Descriptive Statistics Tell Us

Abstract

Prior to analyzing any data set, it is important to first understand the data. Descriptive statistics presents data in a meaningful way for the purpose of understanding what if anything will need to be done to the data to prepare it for analysis. There are many statistical tests that can be utilized. This chapter focuses on a review of descriptive statistical analysis that is used to prepare and support predictive analytics. It reviews methods to ensure that the data is prepared for analysis as well as methods for combing or reducing variables to improve the results of predictive analytics.