Which statistical method provides predictions about characteristics of a population?

The correct answer is inferential statistics, as this method is specifically designed to make inferences and predictions about a population based on a sample of data. It allows researchers to draw conclusions beyond the immediate data collected, enabling them to estimate population parameters, test hypotheses, and predict trends or behaviors within larger groups based on observed characteristics in a smaller subset.

Inferential statistics employs various techniques, such as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, to provide insights that can be generalized to a broader population. This capability is crucial in fields like social science, healthcare, and market research, where understanding the larger context is essential for effective decision-making.

In contrast, descriptive statistics focus solely on summarizing and describing the features of the collected data without making predictions or inferences about a larger population. Qualitative analysis is more concerned with understanding non-numeric data and exploring underlying themes rather than providing predictions about population characteristics. Linear regression is a specific statistical technique used to model relationships between variables but is part of the broader category of inferential statistics, which ultimately aims to predict population characteristics.