Probability and Random Sampling Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to probability and random sampling as outlined in the biostatistics lecture notes.

Random Sampling

Each object in the population has the same chance of being sampled, aiming to avoid bias and improve accuracy.

Uncertainty in Sampling

The key aspect of random numbers; two samples from the same population will most likely yield different means.

Process Uncertainty

A type of uncertainty where the true population mean may vary during sampling, common in ecological systems.

Observation Uncertainty

Variability due to sampling error or measurement error, often seen due to natural differences in populations.

Probability Theory

The mathematical framework that quantifies the likelihood of outcomes of random events.

Objective Probability

Probability verified through experimentation or repeated observations.

A-priori Probability

Probability determined when all possible outcomes are known in advance.

Empirical Probability

Probability derived from experimental results or repeated trials when outcomes are not known beforehand.

Mutually Exclusive Events

Two events that cannot occur at the same time.

Statistically Independent Events

The occurrence of one event does not affect the probability of the occurrence of another event.

Union of Probabilities

The total probability of either of two mutually exclusive events occurring.

Intersection of Probabilities

The probability of two events occurring simultaneously.

Complementary Probability

Probability that describes the chance that the event does not occur.

Frequency Distributions

A table summarizing the number of occurrences of each outcome in an experiment.

P(D. autumnalis)

The probability that a random pupa will emerge as D. autumnalis, calculated from known outcomes.

P(D. attica)

The probability that a random pupa will emerge as D. attica, derived from overall emergence data.

Event Probability Calculation

The process of determining probabilities by dividing the number of favorable outcomes by the total possible outcomes.

Compound Probabilities

The probabilities that consider multiple events occurring, calculated using union and intersection.