What are simple numerical or graphical summaries of data referred to as?

The term that describes simple numerical or graphical summaries of data is known as descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics provide a way to summarize and present data clearly and concisely, allowing researchers to convey key insights about their datasets in a straightforward manner. This can include measures such as means, medians, modes, and standard deviations, as well as visual summaries like histograms and box plots.

Descriptive statistics serve the purpose of simplifying large volumes of data into formats that are easier to interpret, enabling a clearer understanding of the characteristics of the data in question. This contrasts with other branches of statistics. For instance, inferential statistics involve making predictions or generalizations about a population based on a sample, while control statistics typically relate to monitoring and maintaining performance standards rather than summarizing data. Therefore, descriptive statistics are fundamental in presenting the basic features of data in research settings.