In quantitative research, inferential statistics are numerical values that enable a researcher to reach conclusions that extend beyond the immediate data alone. Which inferential statistic refers to the likelihood of an event occurring?

Choice A reason: Pearson’s r correlation measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. It does not quantify the likelihood of an event. Choice B reason: The p-value indicates the probability of obtaining the observed results assuming the null hypothesis is true. While it reflects statistical significance, it is not the general term for likelihood. Choice C reason: Probability is the statistical concept that describes the likelihood of an event occurring. It is foundational to inferential statistics and underpins many statistical tests. Choice D reason: ANOVA tests for differences among group means but does not directly measure the likelihood of an event. It uses probability concepts but is not itself a measure of probability.