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

Duke University
Introduction to Probability and Data with R
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Bayesian Statistics, R Programming, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Software, Data Science, Descriptive Statistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.7K reviews
Beginner · 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
13K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Introduction to Data Science in Python
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, NumPy, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Cleansing, Data Import/Export, Probability & Statistics, Python Programming, Programming Principles
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
27K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bayesian Statistics: From Concept to Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Inference, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Probability Distribution, R Programming, Regression Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Finance and Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Return On Investment, Financial Statement Analysis, Finance, Financial Reporting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Accounting, Financial Modeling, Working Capital, Balance Sheet, Accrual Accounting, Accounting, Cash Flows, Income Statement, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Analysis, Tax Planning, Equities, Financial Planning, Corporate Finance
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
14K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
AI Foundations for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), OpenAI, IBM Cloud, Private Cloud, Data Loss Prevention, Deep Learning, WordPress, Artificial Neural Networks, Cloud Services, Application Deployment, Governance, Machine Learning, Business Transformation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Software Development Tools, Image Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
25K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM Data Management
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Data Warehousing, SQL, Data Presentation, Data Governance, Data Security, Data Migration, Database Design, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Descriptive Statistics, Data Mining, Cloud Storage, Data Visualization Software, Extract, Transform, Load, IBM DB2, Data Management, MySQL, Excel Formulas
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
16K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Data Warehousing, SQL, Data Presentation, Database Design, Data Visualization, MySQL, Presentations, Descriptive Statistics, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Intelligence, Data Visualization Software, Tableau Software, Stored Procedure, Interactive Data Visualization, Regression Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
14K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Probability & Statistics for Machine Learning & Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability & Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Probability Distribution, Probability, Statistical Inference, A/B Testing, Statistical Analysis, Data Science, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Visualization
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
546 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Economics, Financial Market, Risk Management, Financial Data, Game Theory
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Stanford University
Probabilistic Graphical Models 2: Inference
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Network, Statistical Inference, Markov Model, Statistical Machine Learning, Graph Theory, Sampling (Statistics), Applied Machine Learning, Probability & Statistics, Algorithms, Probability Distribution, Machine Learning Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
487 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Generative AI with Large Language Models
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Deep Learning, Tensorflow, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Scalability, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning Methods, Application Deployment, Systems Architecture, Reinforcement Learning, User Feedback, Performance Tuning, Application Performance Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks