0–15 min
Start from the research question
Learn why inference method choice begins with what the study is trying to estimate, compare, test or model.
Statistics Foundation · Lesson 4.6
Choosing the right inference method.
Lesson 4.5 explained sample size and study design. This final inference lesson turns that design thinking into method choice. Students learn to identify the outcome, comparison structure, pairing, assumptions and estimand before choosing a statistical method.
145 minutes
No coding
Method choice
Research design
Lesson route
Move from study design to method choice.
This lesson is the bridge between inference concepts and applied statistical judgement. A good method choice can be explained in words before it is calculated.
15–35 min
Identify the outcome type
Separate numerical, binary, categorical, ordinal and time-to-event outcomes before choosing any method.
35–55 min
Identify the comparison structure
Distinguish one-sample, two independent groups, paired measurements, several groups and association questions.
55–80 min
Check the design
Use what Lesson 4.5 taught about study design: independence, pairing, clustering, repeated measurement and allocation matter.
80–110 min
Match assumptions to methods
Connect normality, sample size, expected counts, variance, linearity and independence to responsible method choice.
110–145 min
Choose, justify and interpret
Practise writing a clear method justification rather than simply naming a test.