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.
Data - Data are numbers with a context. Random assignment Probability - the chance or likelihood that an event will occur. Bias - Systematically favoring certain outcomes. A research study or experiment has internal validity if the outcome is a function of the variables that are measured, controled or manipulated in the study. A research study or experiment has external validity if the results obtained would apply to other similar programs or approaches.