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parameter

n.

1. a characteristic of a population, such as the mean or standard deviation, that is described or estimated by a statistic obtained from sample data. For example, the mean score on a national exam for a sample of colleges provides an estimate of this parameter in the population of colleges.

2. any of the variables in a statistical model that is studied or used to explain an outcome or relationship.

3. an argument of a function.

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Psychology term of the day

September 8th 2024

drift

drift

n.

1. a reduction in variation in genetic traits that can occur when sampling from continually smaller groups, such that some traits ultimately become excluded from possibility.

2. a reduction in the reliability of technical instruments orin the accuracy of observers over time. See instrument drift; observer drift.