Parameter vs StatisticParameter vs Statistic- Get complete detail with examples.
The population mean is an example of a parameter. A statistic, on the other hand, is a number that describes a sample (e.g., sample mean).
The goal of quantitative research is to find parameters that help us understand how populations are made up. In real life, it’s often too hard, takes too much time, or isn’t possible to get information from every person in a population. Instead, samples are used to gather data.
We can make educated guesses regarding population parameters based on sample statistics with inferential statistics.
Population vs sample
In research, a population is a whole group you want to learn more about. This could be a group of people (like all adults in the US or all company employees). Still, it could also be a group of objects, events, organizations, countries, species, organisms, etc.
A sample is a subset of the whole population. The example is the group of things from which you will collect data.
Population vs sample
You want to determine how many US residents agree with the death penalty. Since you’re only interested in people who live in the US, it wouldn’t make sense to get information from everyone. Instead, you take a sample of 2000 people at random and ask them questions.
How do parameters and statistics relate to numbers?
Statistics and parameters are numbers that sum up any feature of a sample or population that can be measured.
Most of the time, a proportion is used as a statistic or parameter for categorical variables like political affiliation.
When reporting statistics or parameters, the mean or standard deviation are often used for numerical variables like height.
Statistics vs. parameters: Examples
Sample statistic
A measure of the population
The number of the 2000 people who were chosen at random who support the death penalty.
The number of US residents who agree with the death penalty.
The average income of 850 Boston and Wellesley college students.
All college students in Massachusetts make about the same amount.
Standard deviation of avocados from one farm in terms of their weights.
Standard deviation of all avocados in the area in terms of their weights.
The average amount of time Indian high schoolers spends in front of a screen.
The average amount of time Indian high schoolers spends in front of a screen.
Statistical notation
Statistics and parameters use different symbols to show whether a sample or the whole group is being discussed.
Greek letters and capital letters are often used to talk about groups of people, while Latin and lowercase letters are usually used to talk about samples.
