1. The problem asks: What is the meaning of the term statistical inference? 2. Statistical inference is the process of making conclusions about a population parameter based on sample data. 3. The formula or concept used here is that we use sample statistics (like sample mean, sample proportion) to estimate or make decisions about the population parameters (like population mean, population proportion). 4. Important rules: - A population parameter is a fixed value describing a characteristic of the entire population. - A sample statistic is a value calculated from a sample drawn from the population. - Statistical inference uses probability theory to make conclusions about the population based on the sample. 5. Therefore, statistical inference is an estimate or decision about a population parameter based on information from the corresponding sample statistic and the associated sampling variability or distribution. Final answer: Statistical inference is the process of making an estimate or decision about a population parameter based on information from the corresponding sample statistic and the associated sampling distribution.