Statistical introduction defines key terms: Population = entire group; Sample = subset from population; Parameter = population measure; Statistic = sample measure. Data types: Qualitative (categories) vs Quantitative (numerical). Quantitative: Discrete (countable) or Continuous (measurable). Scales: Nominal (categories), Ordinal (ranked), Interval (differences meaningful), Ratio (true zero). Example: Height is ratio scale (continuous); grades are ordinal. Descriptive statistics summarize data; Inferential statistics make population conclusions from samples. Solving: Identify data type and scale. Choose appropriate analysis method. Exam tip: Understand population vs sample distinction. Recognize how data type affects analysis.