7: Probability and Statistics

To further improve communication of experimental results, the combination of probability (expected outcomes) with statistics (methodology to reduce data) are covered.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the meaning of central moment of probability density functions through calculation
• Convert finite quantity of data to have indication of true value of observation

A. Introduction of Terminology

1. Probability – likelihood of particular event occurrence
2. Statistics – post processing analysis tool for interpretation of probability
3. Samples – discrete data points of collection in statistics that indicate probability
4. Ensemble – Set of repeated sampling procedures where statistics are applied across trial versus time or position domain

5. • 7.1: Contextual background resulting in histogram

   • 7.2: Central moments of probability density function

   • 7.3: Probability from Gaussian distribution

   • 7.4: Analysis with finite statistics

For additional material from sources external to NIU, please visit the Appendix. 

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