Inferential and non‐inferential tests

Summary

This article follows up the debate on inferential statistics in Volumes 19 and 20 of Educational Research. It is particularly addressed to the researcher working with a non‐random sample, perhaps in a single institution. Attention is drawn to the suitability of randomization tests in such a situation. In these circumstances, researchers sometimes use statistical tests which can only be regarded as descriptive: accordingly a rationale is offered for the non‐inferential use of statistical tests.