Final answer:
Inferential statistics enables scientists to use data from a sample to make estimations about a broader population, drawing conclusions that are representative of the whole based on probabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that aids scientists in observing a population sample to answer questions about the whole population is inferential statistics.
Inferential statistics uses a random sample to make estimations or predictions about a larger population. From the given sample data, scientists can calculate statistics that estimate population parameters. This form of analysis allows us to generalize findings without having to investigate every individual in the population. For example, if a study finds an average expenditure in a sample of shopping trips, inferential statistics would allow scientists to estimate the average expenditure of all shopping trips. It utilizes probability theory to measure the uncertainty or the confidence in the inferences made. The goal is to draw conclusions that are likely to be close to the actual scenario within the entire population based on the sample data observed.