Which statistical method is used to evaluate scores, including mean and standard deviation?

Descriptive statistics is the correct choice because it focuses on summarizing and organizing data to describe its main features. This includes calculating measures such as the mean, which represents the average score, and the standard deviation, which measures the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of scores. Descriptive statistics provide a clear and concise summary of a dataset, allowing researchers and educators to understand the characteristics of the scores being analyzed.

In contrast, inferential statistics (the first option) is used to make predictions or inferences about a larger population based on a sample of data, which involves different methods and calculations. Parametric statistics, while often employed to analyze data that meets certain assumptions about its distribution, also does not primarily focus on the basic descriptive measures themselves. Qualitative analysis, on the other hand, pertains to the examination of non-numeric data, focusing on patterns and themes rather than numerical scores. Thus, descriptive statistics is specifically designed for evaluating and summarizing numerical data effectively.