How do you calculate population mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

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Part of Speech

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Definition

The process of finding the average value of a numerical characteristic (such as height, weight, or test scores) for a population, often represented by the symbol (µ). It is calculated by summing all values and dividing by the number of data points.

Examples

• To calculate the population mean of a set of exam scores, you add the scores together and divide by the number of students.
• The population mean of a sample of 10 people’s heights is 175 cm, indicating that the average height of the population is 175 cm.

Synonyms

• Arithmetic mean
• Mean value

Antonyms

• Median
• Mode

Additional Information

A population mean is a fundamental concept in statistics and is used to summarize large datasets. It is an important tool in many fields, including medicine, social sciences, and business. Calculating the population mean requires a thorough understanding of statistical concepts and formulas. It is often used in inferential statistics to draw conclusions about a population based on a sample of data.

Careful consideration must be given when selecting a sample and designing the experiment to ensure the results are accurate and reliable. Population means can also be used to identify patterns, trends, and correlations in data, making it a powerful tool for data analysis.

Inferential statistics rely heavily on the sample mean being representative of the population mean. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to accurately calculate the population mean to make informed decisions.

Etymology

The term “population mean” is derived from the Latin words “populatio,” meaning “people,” and “mean,” meaning ” average.” It was first used in the 19th century to describe the average value of a characteristic in a population.

Usage Notes

The term “population mean” is used in various fields, including medicine, sociology, psychology, and business. It is commonly used in statistical analysis and data interpretation.

Cultural References

The concept of population mean is not typically referenced in popular culture, as it is a technical term used primarily in academic and professional settings.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are no idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the term “population mean.” However, phrases like “average height” or “average income” are commonly used to refer to the population mean in a more conversational sense.

Related Words or Phrases

• Median
• Mode
• Arithmetic mean
• Sample mean

Collocations

• population mean calculation
• population mean formula
• population mean example

Frequency of Use

The term “population mean” is commonly used in academic and professional settings, particularly in fields that involve statistical analysis and data interpretation. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• Pophlation mean
• Popolation mean
• Population meen