Collect the data needed to answer the question(s) posed in (1). Conducting research on an entire population is often difficult and expensive, so we typically look at a sample. This step is vital to the statistical process, because if the data is not collected correctly, the conclusions drawn are meaningless. Do not overlook the importance of appropriate data collection.

Describe the data. Descriptive statistics allow the researcher to obtain an overview of the data and can help determine the type of statistical techniques the researcher should use.

Perform inference. Apply the appropriate techniques to extend the results obtained from the sample to the population and report a level of reliability of the results.