Final answer:
Data mining is the process of discovering relationships and patterns in large quantities of data through algorithms and statistical analysis(option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of discovering relationships and patterns in large amounts of data is referred to as a) data mining.
This involves using computer algorithms and statistical analyses to comb through vast databases to uncover meaningful insights that are not immediately obvious. Data mining can be used in various fields such as bioinformatics, the medical field, and business. It is distinct from data clustering, which is organizing similar items into groups, and data encryption, which is securing data from unauthorized access. It is also different from data networking, which relates to the connection of data systems and from data warehousing, which is the storage and management of large amounts of data.
When researchers undertake archival research, they utilize existing records to answer research questions, which often involves aspects of data mining to interpret the stored data. In contrast, descriptive statistics focuses on organizing and summarizing data, for example, through graphing or calculating averages. Statistical inference, an element of inferential statistics, uses probability to make predictions or draw conclusions from the data.