What is the primary distinction between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics?

The primary distinction between descriptive and inferential statistics lies in their functions and applications. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize and organize data from a sample, providing clear and concise insights about that specific dataset. They include measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation to describe the data's central tendency and dispersion, effectively portraying the sample's characteristics.

On the other hand, inferential statistics go a step further by using sample data to make predictions or inferences about a larger population from which the sample is drawn. This involves techniques like hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and regression analysis to draw conclusions that extend beyond the immediate data set.

Thus, option C accurately captures this distinction, illustrating the roles of descriptive statistics in summarizing sample data and inferential statistics in making predictions about populations.