Which of the following is NOT a component of descriptive statistics?

Descriptive statistics are used to summarize and describe the main features of a dataset, typically through measures such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and sample size. These components provide insight into the central tendency and variability of the data, allowing for a straightforward understanding of the data's characteristics.

Regression analysis, on the other hand, is a technique used in inferential statistics, not descriptive statistics. It goes beyond merely summarizing the data; instead, regression is employed to model the relationships between variables and make predictions based on those relationships. Therefore, while mean, standard deviation, and sample size are all tools for summarizing data, regression analysis serves a different purpose, focusing on understanding and predicting relationships between variables. This distinction clearly illustrates why regression analysis does not fit into the category of descriptive statistics.