Poisson distribution: Difference between revisions

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#Continuous observation is needed, rather than a number of independent trials.
#Continuous observation is needed, rather than a number of independent trials.
#The random variable takes a positive whole number value.
#The random variable takes a positive whole number value.
#The expected number of occurrences is known or can be estimated and
#The expected number of occurrences is known or can be estimated, and
#Primary interest is in the number of times an event occurs within a particular period.
#Primary interest is in the number of times an event occurs within a particular period.



Revision as of 14:16, 5 August 2014

Statistics.

A probability model used where discrete events occur in a continuum.

For example, the number of phone calls received in a given time period.


The Poisson distribution can be a useful model for processes where:

  1. Continuous observation is needed, rather than a number of independent trials.
  2. The random variable takes a positive whole number value.
  3. The expected number of occurrences is known or can be estimated, and
  4. Primary interest is in the number of times an event occurs within a particular period.


See also