Bernoulli distribution

a theoretical distribution of the number of trials required before the first success is obtained in a Bernoulli process (see Bernoulli trial). Such a distribution is defined by two values: 0 and 1. Usually a value of 0 is used to denote a failure (i.e., the item of interest does not occur) and a value of 1 is used to denote a success (i.e., the item of interest does occur). On this basis, the likeliness of a success is denoted as p and the likeliness of a failure is denoted as q = 1 − p. For example, a single toss of a coin has a Bernoulli distribution with p = 0.5 (where 0 = heads and 1 = tails). A Bernoulli distribution is a special case of a binomial distribution. [Jacques Bernoulli (1654–1705), Swiss mathematician and scientist]

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

cochlear implant

an electronic device designed to enable individuals with complete deafness to hear and interpret some sounds, particularly those associated with speech. It consists of a microphone to detect sound, a headpiece to transmit sound, a processor to digitize sound, and a receiver to signal electrodes that are surgically implanted in the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve. In contrast to a hearing aid, which amplifies sound, it directly stimulates the auditory nerve.