The question of where to start is always difficult. We will begin by defining some terms so that we have a vocabulary with with to begin our discussions concerning research methods and statistics.
Research is a systematic attempt to provide answers to questions.
As such, research may be basic or applied. A statistic is a value that is computed on a sample. A parameter is a value that is computed on a population. Analyzing samples is more cost effective than analyzing populations, And if done correctly just as accurate. Statistics is the science of collecting, organizing, and interpreting numerical facts called data.