Word Cache-EP 28
“Basic concepts of statistics (part 2)”
#pattern
P-A-T-T-E-R-N
An example for others to follow.
- When two variables are strongly correlated, you can see a clear pattern on their scatter plot.
- When you see an animal repeating the same action pattern without good reasons, it may be a sign that the animal is stressed out.
#probability
P-R-O-B-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y
The extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case.
- The probability of hitting a bull’s eye decreases as you move away from the target.
- Though the probability of winning a lottery jackpot is so low that statistically it’s not worth the cost, many still buy and wish to be the lucky one.
#estimate
E-S-T-I-M-A-T-E
Roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.
- Our estimates of a population’s characteristics are based on samples.
- We tend to underestimate the time it takes to accomplish a complex task.
#predict
P-R-E-D-I-C-T
Say or estimate that a specified thing will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something.
- Individual behavior is hard to predict but behavior of a large group can be quite predictable.
- He claims to be able to predict the market. Why hasn’t he become a billionaire yet?
#error
E-R-R-O-R
A mistake; a difference or discrepancy between measurement and reality.
- The effects of sampling error can be minimized by increasing the sample size.
- Error in DNA replication is one of the sources of mutation.