The term "sample distribution" is commonly used in statistics to describe the distribution of a set of data points taken from a larger population. In terms of its spelling, "sample" is pronounced /ˈsæm.pəl/ while "distribution" is pronounced /ˌdɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/. The IPA phonetic transcription of "sample distribution" would be /ˈsæm.pəl dɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/. This word is important in statistics as it helps researchers better understand the variability of the population based on a smaller, more manageable subset of data.
Sample distribution refers to the distribution of a specific sample statistic, such as the mean or standard deviation, across multiple samples drawn from the same population. It allows us to determine the variability or dispersion of the statistic and evaluate how likely different outcomes are based on random sampling.
When conducting statistical analysis, it is often impractical or impossible to gather data from an entire population. Instead, we take a smaller subset called a sample. The sample distribution represents the range of values that the sample statistic of interest can take on across multiple random samples from the same population.
The sample distribution is characterized by its center, spread, and shape. The center is typically denoted by the sample statistic, such as the sample mean or median. The spread indicates the variability between different sample statistics and can be represented by the standard deviation or interquartile range. The shape of the sample distribution may vary depending on the population's underlying distribution and the sample size.
Understanding the sample distribution is crucial in making inferences about the population based on the sample data. By analyzing the sample distribution, statisticians can estimate confidence intervals, test hypotheses, and make predictions about the behavior of the population. Additionally, the sample distribution allows for the assessment of sampling error and helps identify whether the observed differences between samples are due to true population differences or random chance.
The word "sample distribution" derives from the combination of two primary terms: "sample" and "distribution".
1. Sample: The term "sample" comes from the Old French word "essample", which in turn comes from the Latin word "exemplum", meaning "example" or "pattern". The Latin word "exemplum" is a combination of "ex", meaning "from", and "emplum", meaning "piece or portion". It was used to refer to a representative portion or specimen.
2. Distribution: The term "distribution" comes from the Latin word "distributio", which is the noun form of the verb "distribuere". "Distribuere" is a combination of "dis", meaning "apart" or "in different directions", and "tribuere", meaning "to give or allot".