Concept of Parameters and statistics : Concept of Parameters and statistics

CONCEPT OF PARAMETERS AND STATISTICS

Concept of Parameters and statistics

A statistics is a characteristic of a small part of the population that is sample. The parameter is a fixed measure which describes the target population. Parameters are numbers that summarize data for an entire population. Statistics are numbers that summarize data from a sample.

Parameters

Parameters are based on data collected from an entire population. This means that every member of the group is accounted for in the results. Parameters provide descriptive data specific to a particular population. For

example, when the results of a study are calculated using data collected from all cases within a specific population, the numerical calculations are parameters. A few examples include:

 When a teacher uses each student’s score on an exam to calculate the class average, the resulting data

point is a parameter for that particular class.

 The pass rate on a certification exam is a parameter. This data point is calculated using test results from

everyone who has taken the exam within a set timeframe.

Statistics

Statistics are based on data collected from a sample of the group being studied. The sample is a subset drawn from the population as a whole. Studies that are based on representative samples can be used to make inferences about the larger population. For example, when the results of a study are based on a sample, the numerical calculations are statistics. A few examples include the following:

 Product reviews on online stores are statistics. The data provided via product reviews reflect the opinions of those who take the time to log in and leave feedback, which is a sample of the full population of people who purchased the product.

 Health studies that report what percentage of the population in a certain geographic region is overweight or has certain medical conditions are providing statistics. This information is based on data collected from survey respondents or study participants. It would not be possible for a researcher to obtain weight or health history for every person in a geographic area.

 Political poll results that indicate how many points a certain candidate is leading by represent a statistic.