Poisson distribution

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Revision as of 14:02, 5 August 2014 by imported>Doug Williamson (Align with Glossary.)
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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