Statistical inference is a branch of statistics that involves drawing conclusions about a population based on a sample of data. It encompasses methods for making decisions, predictions, and generalizations about a population parameter based on the observed sample data. The goal of statistical inference is to address uncertainty and make valid inferences about the population by using the principles of probability theory and statistical models. Key techniques in statistical inference include hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and estimation of parameters. This field is crucial in many scientific disciplines, as it allows researchers to make informed decisions based on limited data.