Which type of statistics is primarily concerned with summarizing data characteristics?

Descriptive statistics is the branch of statistics focused on summarizing and presenting the characteristics of a dataset. This includes calculating measures of central tendency, such as the mean and median, as well as measures of variability like range and standard deviation. Its primary function is to provide a clear summary of the collected data, making it easier to understand and interpret, without making inferences or predictions about a larger population.

In contrast, inferential statistics involves making predictions or inferences about a population based on a sample of data. Predictive statistics, while often overlapping with inferential methods, specifically aims at forecasting future outcomes based on historical data trends. Comparative statistics focuses on the comparison of different groups or datasets to evaluate differences or similarities. Each of these other branches serves distinct purposes that extend beyond merely summarizing the data.