Using information gathered from sample data to make estimates, predictions, or other generalizations about a larger set of data called a population is known as...

The practice of using information from sample data to make estimates, predictions, or generalizations about a larger set of data known as a population is referred to as inferential statistics. This branch of statistics focuses on drawing conclusions about a population based on sample analysis, emphasizing the importance of sampling methods, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.

Inferential statistics allows researchers and analysts to make informed decisions without needing data from every member of the population. Instead, they rely on the characteristics of the sample to infer properties of the population. This method is particularly valuable when it is impractical or impossible to collect data from the entire population.

In contrast, descriptive statistics provides a summary of the sample data without making inferences about the population. Data dumping refers to the process of collecting large volumes of data without organization or analysis, while an informed decision implies a choice made using available information, but it does not specifically pertain to the statistical methods employed.