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

University of Pennsylvania
Business and Financial Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Financial Statements, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Portfolio Management, Regression Analysis, Business Modeling, Financial Modeling, Risk Management, Quantitative Research, Presentations, Decision Making, Data Visualization, Microsoft PowerPoint, Predictive Modeling, Investment Management, Spreadsheet Software, Google Sheets, Excel Formulas
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Generative AI for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Business Process Automation, Automation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Machine Learning, Feasibility Studies, Cloud Applications, Reinforcement Learning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Biostatistics in Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Biostatistics, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Methods, Histogram, Box Plots, Statistical Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Epidemiology, Medical Science and Research, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Scientific Methods, Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Probability & Statistics, Advanced Analytics, Statistical Modeling, Predictive Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Tools for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, R Programming, Computer Programming Tools, GitHub, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis Software, Data Science, IBM Cloud, Statistical Programming, Git (Version Control System), Application Programming Interface (API), Other Programming Languages, Development Environment, Python Programming, SQL
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
30K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Modern Regression Analysis in R
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Statistical Modeling, Regression Analysis, Data Ethics, Statistical Methods, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Science, R Programming, Data Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Predictive Analytics, Probability & Statistics, Forecasting, Linear Algebra
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Understanding and Visualizing Data with Python
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Data Visualization, Statistics, Matplotlib, Statistical Visualization, Probability & Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Data Collection, NumPy, Box Plots, Histogram, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Linear Regression Modeling for Health Data
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Modeling, Regression Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistical Inference, Probability & Statistics, Correlation Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Predictive Modeling
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Imperial College London
Mathematics for Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Dimensionality Reduction, NumPy, Regression Analysis, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Data Transformation, Jupyter, Data Science, Advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Numerical Analysis, Geometry, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning Methods, Artificial Neural Networks, Algorithms, Data Manipulation, Machine Learning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Developing Data Products
Skills you'll gain: Shiny (R Package), Rmarkdown, Leaflet (Software), Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, R Programming, Statistical Reporting, UI Components, Web Applications, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), GitHub, Package and Software Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Sequence Models
Skills you'll gain: Natural Language Processing, Artificial Neural Networks, Tensorflow, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Deep Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Text Mining, Machine Learning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
31K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bayesian Statistics: Mixture Models
Skills you'll gain: R Programming, Statistical Modeling, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Machine Learning, Markov Model, Statistical Methods, Probability & Statistics, Unsupervised Learning, Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Machine Learning Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
60 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Deductive Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Probability, Sampling (Statistics), Persuasive Communication, Research, Writing, Statistical Inference, Correlation Analysis, Scientific Methods, Interpersonal Communications, Interactive Learning, Learning Strategies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months