The uniform distribution is a symmetric probability distribution where all outcomes have an equal likelihood of occurring. All values in the distribution have a constant probability. This distribution is also known as the rectangular distribution because of its shape in probability distribution plots, as I’ll show you below. [Read more…] about Uniform Distribution
conceptual
Frequency Table: How to Make & Examples
What is a Frequency Table?
A frequency table lists a set of values and how often each one appears. Frequency is the number of times a specific data value occurs in your dataset. These tables help you understand which data values are common and which are rare. These tables organize your data and are an effective way to present the results to others. Frequency tables are also known as frequency distributions because they allow you to understand the distribution of values in your dataset. [Read more…] about Frequency Table: How to Make & Examples
Mean Absolute Deviation
The mean absolute deviation (MAD) is a measure of variability that indicates the average distance between observations and their mean. MAD uses the original units of the data, which simplifies interpretation. Larger values signify that the data points spread out further from the average. Conversely, lower values correspond to data points bunching closer to it. The mean absolute deviation is also known as the mean deviation and average absolute deviation. [Read more…] about Mean Absolute Deviation
Conditional Probability
A conditional probability is the likelihood of an event occurring given that another event has already happened. Conditional probabilities allow you to evaluate how prior information affects probabilities. When you incorporate existing facts into the calculations, it can change the probability of an outcome. [Read more…] about Conditional Probability
Cluster Sampling: Definition, Advantages & Examples
What is Stratified Sampling?
Cluster sampling is a method of obtaining a representative sample from a population that researchers have divided into groups. An individual cluster is a subgroup that mirrors the diversity of the whole population while the set of clusters are similar to each other. Typically, researchers use this approach when studying large, geographically dispersed populations because it is a cost-controlling measure. [Read more…] about Cluster Sampling: Definition, Advantages & Examples
Stratified Sampling: Definition, Advantages & Examples
What is Stratified Sampling?
Stratified sampling is a method of obtaining a representative sample from a population that researchers have divided into relatively similar subpopulations (strata). Researchers use stratified sampling to ensure specific subgroups are present in their sample. It also helps them obtain precise estimates of each group’s characteristics. Many surveys use this method to understand differences between subpopulations better. Stratified sampling is also known as stratified random sampling. [Read more…] about Stratified Sampling: Definition, Advantages & Examples
Skewed Distribution
A skewed distribution occurs when one tail is longer than the other. Skewness defines the asymmetry of a distribution. Unlike the familiar normal distribution with its bell-shaped curve, these distributions are asymmetric. The two halves of the distribution are not mirror images because the data are not distributed equally on both sides of the distribution’s peak. [Read more…] about Skewed Distribution
Heterogeneity
Heterogeneity is defined as a dissimilarity between elements that comprise a whole. When heterogeneity is present, there is diversity in the characteristic under study. The parts of the whole are different, not the same. It is an essential concept in science and statistics. Heterogeneous is the opposite of homogeneous. [Read more…] about Heterogeneity
Control Variables: Definition, Uses & Examples
What is a Control Variable?
Control variables, also known as controlled variables, are properties that researchers hold constant for all observations in an experiment. While these variables are not the primary focus of the research, keeping their values consistent helps the study establish the true relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Control variables are different from control groups. [Read more…] about Control Variables: Definition, Uses & Examples
Orthogonality
Orthogonality is a mathematical property that is beneficial for statistical models. It’s particularly helpful when performing factorial analysis of designed experiments. [Read more…] about Orthogonality
Percent Error: Definition, Formula & Examples
Percent error compares an estimate to a correct value and expresses the difference between them as a percentage. This statistic allows analysts to understand the size of the error relative to the true value. It is also known as percentage error and % error. [Read more…] about Percent Error: Definition, Formula & Examples
Accuracy vs Precision: Differences & Examples
Accuracy and precision are crucial properties of your measurements when you’re relying on data to draw conclusions. Both concepts apply to a series of measurements from a measurement system.
Measurement systems facilitate the quantification of characteristics for data collection. They include a collection of instruments, software, and personnel necessary to assess the property of interest. For example, a research project studying bone density will devise a measurement system to produce accurate and precise measurements of bone density. [Read more…] about Accuracy vs Precision: Differences & Examples
Control Group in an Experiment
A control group in an experiment does not receive the treatment. Instead, it serves as a comparison group for the treatments. Researchers compare the results of a treatment group to the control group to determine the effect size, also known as the treatment effect. [Read more…] about Control Group in an Experiment
Range of a Data Set
The range of a data set is the difference between the maximum and the minimum values. It measures variability using the same units as the data. Larger values represent greater variability.
The range is the easiest measure of dispersion to calculate and interpret in statistics, but it has some limitations. In this post, I’ll show you how to find the range mathematically and graphically, interpret it, explain its limitations, and clarify when to use it. [Read more…] about Range of a Data Set
Z-score: Definition, Formula, and Uses
A z-score measures the distance between a data point and the mean using standard deviations. Z-scores can be positive or negative. The sign tells you whether the observation is above or below the mean. For example, a z-score of +2 indicates that the data point falls two standard deviations above the mean, while a -2 signifies it is two standard deviations below the mean. A z-score of zero equals the mean. Statisticians also refer to z-scores as standard scores, and I’ll use those terms interchangeably. [Read more…] about Z-score: Definition, Formula, and Uses
Pascal’s Triangle
Pascal’s triangle is a number pattern that fits in a triangle. It is named after Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, and it has many beneficial mathematic and statistical properties, including finding the number of combinations and expanding binomials. [Read more…] about Pascal’s Triangle
What are Robust Statistics?
Robust statistics provide valid results across a broad variety of conditions, including assumption violations, the presence of outliers, and various other problems. The term “robust statistic” applies both to a statistic (i.e., median) and statistical analyses (i.e., hypothesis tests and regression). [Read more…] about What are Robust Statistics?
Relative Frequencies and Their Distributions
A relative frequency indicates how often a specific kind of event occurs within the total number of observations. It is a type of frequency that uses percentages, proportions, and fractions.
In this post, learn about relative frequencies, the relative frequency distribution, and its cumulative counterpart. [Read more…] about Relative Frequencies and Their Distributions
Venn Diagrams: Uses, Examples, and Making
Venn diagrams visually represent relationships between concepts. They use circles to display similarities and differences between sets of ideas, traits, or items. Intersections indicate that the groups have common elements. Non-overlapping areas represent traits that are unique to one set. Venn diagrams are also known as logic diagrams and set diagrams. [Read more…] about Venn Diagrams: Uses, Examples, and Making
Empirical Rule: Definition & Formula
What is the Empirical Rule?
The empirical rule in statistics, also known as the 68 95 99 rule, states that for normal distributions, 68% of observed data points will lie inside one standard deviation of the mean, 95% will fall within two standard deviations, and 99.7% will occur within three standard deviations. [Read more…] about Empirical Rule: Definition & Formula