estimation

n. in statistics, the process of approximating a population parameter from sample data while allowing for some degree of uncertainty by giving a range of values within which the parameter will most likely fall. Estimation usually requires a large random sample, from which one can calculate point estimate values, such as the mean and standard deviation, in the larger population of interest. The process of estimation also involves building a confidence interval around the obtained sample value, plus and minus some margin of error.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

September 1st 2024

transfer function model

1. a model used in functional magnetic resonance imaging to describe the shape of responses. A neuron receives a number of inputs, each of which comes via a connection that has a strength or weight; these weights correspond to the synaptic efficacy of the neuron. Each neuron also has a single threshold value. Activation of the neuron is determined by the weighted sum of the inputs minus the threshold. The activation signal is passed through a transfer function to produce the output of the neuron.

2. in time-series analysis, a type of model used to forecast a time series that is influenced by present and past values of other time series.