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parameters of a population, for example the mean or the variance of a normal population. They
may also concern the type, nature or probability distribution of the population.
Examples
Null hypothesis (commonly, that the observations are the result of pure chance). This refers to
any hypothesis we wish to test.
Alternative hypothesis (commonly, that the observations show a real effect combined with a
component of chance variation).
Power of a hypothesis test: The probability of not committing a Type II error is called the power of a
hypothesis test.(1-β)
Confidence interval = sample statistic + Critical value * Standard deviation of statistic(or) Standard
error of statistic
Sampling
a population is the entire collection of people or things you are interested in;
o all motor vehicles in the state in 1997
a census is a measurement of all the units in the population;
o all motor vehicles registered with the DMV on July 1, 1997
a population parameter is a number that results from measuring all the units in
the population;
a sampling frame is the specific data from which the sample is drawn, e.g., a
telephone book;
a unit of analysis is the type of object of interest, e.g., arsons, fire departments,
firefighters;
a sample is a subset of some of the units in the population;
a statistic is a number that results from measuring all the units in the sample;
a statistics derived from samples are used to estimate population parameters.
The differences between Probability (Random) Sampling and Non-Probability (Non-Random) Sampling
are summarized below.
Must have random selection of units Cheaper, easier, quicker to carry out