Statistical methods are classified into two major categories: descriptive and inferential. Describe the general purpose for the statistical methods in each category. Descriptive statistics are generally used for which of the following? Check all that apply. To make general conclusions about populations using sample data To describe independent variables only To simplify and summarize data To describe dependent variables only Inferential statistics are generally used for which of the following? Check all that apply. To make general conclusions about populations using sample data To describe dependent variables only To describe independent variables only To simplify and summarize data.