Statistics and Probability Dictionary
Select a term from the dropdown text box. The online statistics
glossary will display a definition, plus links to other
related web pages.
Select term:
Probability Sampling
Statisticians distinguish between two broad categories of
sampling
.
-
Probability sampling. With probability sampling, every element
of the population has a known probability of being included in the sample.
-
Non-probability sampling. With non-probability sampling, we
cannot specify the probability that each element will be included in the
sample.
Probability samples allow us to make probability statements about sample
statistics. We can estimate the extent to which a sample
statistic
is likely to differ from a population
parameter
. The bulk of this web site focuses on probability sampling.