CRIM 320 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Frequency Distribution, Dont, Homicide
9 Apr 2020
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First suggest certain theories, propositions, or hypotheses about variables, which will then be tested using the data we observe. Cornerstone of decision making (process of testing hypotheses through analysis of data) = probability. Ex: "how likely is it that i will get an a on this exam" Mathematical terms, probability (p) varies from 0 to 1, sometimes a percentage rather than a decimal is used. Ex: . 50 probability (5 chances out of 10) is sometimes called a 50% chance. Decimal form is more appropriate for statistical use. Probabilities near 0 (ex: 0. 05 or . 10 = very unlikely occurrences) High probabilities such as 0. 90, 0. 95, or 0. 99 = very probable or likely outcomes. Probability: relative frequency of occurrence of an event/ outcome. # of times any given event could occur out of 100, converted to a decimal value between 0 and 1. Probability = (# of times the outcome/event can occur) / (total # of times any outcome/event can occur)
