What is statistical inference?

Statistical inference is the process whereby you can draw conclusions about a population based on random samples of that population and the statistics that you draw from those samples. When you rely on statistical inference, you take what you've observed about your samples of that population and apply them to the group as a whole. Applying statistical inference allows you to take what you know about the population as well as what's uncertain to make statements about the entire population based on your analysis.

Why is it important to learn about statistical inference?

If you want to learn about a certain population—whether they're customers or fellow employees—you can use statistical inference to draw conclusions about that population based on your analysis of data about them. You can't always survey or test an entire population to gain insight, but you can sample the population and make educated assumptions based on the data. Understanding statistical inference allows you to take that data and use it to draw conclusions that make sense and prove true.

How can I apply statistical inference in my career?

Statistical inference has plenty of benefits for different business sectors. Statisticians and data analysts use this method often to draw conclusions based on samples of populations. If you're in sales or product development, you can use statistical inference to determine which brands or products are popular with your customers or clients. Scientists use statistical inference to test hypotheses and draw conclusions when it's impossible for them to test or sample an entire population. You can apply statistical inference to analyze the data from surveys of any population that you sample.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn about statistical inference?

Online courses on Coursera give you both a grasp of the concepts of statistical inference and practical applications. You'll learn from the best instructors in the academic world, and you can learn at a pace and schedule that best suits your schedule and lifestyle. When you finish our courses, you'll know how to use statistical inference in your career, which will give you an advantage whether you're trying to get better at your current job or whether you're looking to make a career change.

What are the benefits of taking an online Statistical Inference course?

Online Statistical Inference courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Statistical Inference skills. Choose from a wide range of Statistical Inference courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Statistical Inference courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Statistical Inference, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Statistical Inference Courses - Learn Statistical Inference Online

Explore the Statistical Inference Course Catalog

Macquarie University
Excel Skills for Business
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Data Visualization, Excel Macros, Data Validation, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Cleansing, Data Modeling, Business Intelligence, Predictive Modeling, Financial Modeling, Data Management, Microsoft 365, Consolidation, Data Integrity, Data Entry, Business Reporting, Productivity Software
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
62K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Cape Town
Doing Clinical Research: Biostatistics with the Wolfram Language
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming, Biostatistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Data Visualization Software, Probability & Statistics, Deep Learning, Machine Learning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
IBM & Darden Digital Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Digital Transformation, Business Strategy, Cloud Computing Architecture, Competitive Analysis, Cloud Services, Business Transformation, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Big Data, Cloud Platforms, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Apache Hadoop, Product Lifecycle Management, Business Technologies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
42K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: [object Object]
IBM
IBM Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Plotly, Data Presentation, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, SQL, Generative AI, Interactive Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Big Data, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Excel Formulas, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
89K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Mathematical Biostatistics Boot Camp 1
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Bayesian Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Inference, Statistical Methods, Probability, Probability Distribution, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Biostatistics
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
509 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Advanced Linear Models for Data Science 2: Statistical Linear Models
Skills you'll gain: Regression Analysis, Linear Algebra, R Programming, Data Science, Probability Distribution, Statistical Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Probability & Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Statistical Analysis, Statistics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
99 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Multiple educators
Data Science Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Pseudocode, Jupyter, Algorithms, Data Mining, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Correlation Analysis, Web Scraping, NumPy, R Programming, Probability & Statistics, Predictive Modeling, Big Data, Automation, Computer Programming Tools, GitHub, Data Analysis Software, Machine Learning Algorithms, Unsupervised Learning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
111K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Cape Town
Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Biostatistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Clinical Research, Medical Science and Research, Quantitative Research, Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Probability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Estadística y probabilidad: principios de Inferencia
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability Distribution, Sampling (Statistics), Probability & Statistics, Probability, Statistical Analysis, Descriptive Statistics
2.9
Rating, 2.9 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Eindhoven University of Technology
Improving Your Statistical Questions
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Research Design, Research, Quantitative Research, Research Methodologies, General Science and Research, Experimentation, Statistical Reporting, Sample Size Determination, Statistical Inference, Statistical Methods, Statistical Analysis, Data Integrity, Probability & Statistics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
111 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Business Statistics and Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Microsoft Excel, Pivot Tables And Charts, Regression Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Graphing, Spreadsheet Software, Probability Distribution, Business Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Excel Formulas, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Statistics, Sample Size Determination, Box Plots, Analytical Skills, Statistical Inference
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Managerial Economics and Business Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Supply And Demand, Market Dynamics, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Inference, Business Analytics, Bank Regulations, Financial Systems, Financial Policy, Banking, Probability Distribution, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Statistical Methods, Economics, Financial Market, Business Economics
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months