Inferential statistics are primarily associated with which concept?

Inferential statistics are primarily associated with the concept of probability because they involve making inferences or generalizations about a population based on a sample of data. This branch of statistics uses probability theory to determine how likely it is that a given hypothesis is true. By analyzing sample data, statisticians can estimate population parameters, test hypotheses, and make predictions, all of which are grounded in probability.

The other concepts listed—mean, mode, and graphs—relate to descriptive statistics, which focus on summarizing and organizing data rather than making inferences about a larger population. The mean and mode are measures of central tendency that describe a data set, while graphs visually represent data distributions, trends, and comparisons, but do not inherently involve probabilistic reasoning or inferential processes. Thus, they do not capture the essence of what inferential statistics aim to achieve.