Types of inference

There are several ways to model data and use statistical inference to interpret the models. Common strategies include

1. frequentist parametric inference,
2. Bayesian parametric inference,
3. non-parametric inference (frequentist and Bayesian),
4. semi-parametric inference,

and there are others.

Applied statisticians use the techniques best suited to the data and each technique has its strengths and limitations. This section of the unit is about parametric frequentist inference and many of the principles and skills are transportable to the other styles of inference.