statistical method In modern usage, a method for analysing data based on probability theory. A statistical method permits the calculation of a value based on observations about some problem that may be tested for significance by comparison with the values that might be expected to arise by chance. Two main categories of statistical methods have been developed: classical or parametric tests; and the more recent non-parametric or distribution-free tests. Parametric statistical methods may be applied only to data on an interval scale, and typically they make assumptions about the background population from which the sample is taken, most often that it is normally distributed. Where data are in nominal or ordinal form, or where assumptions about the distribution of data on which a parametric test is based cannot be justified, then non-parametric (distribution-free) methods can be used. In general, parametric tests are more rigorous than non-parametric tests. Formerly, and more colloquially, ‘statistical methods’ embraced any form of data gathering and analysis, including numerical method.

statistical method In modern usage, a method for analysing data based on probability theory. A statistical method permits the calculation of a value based on observations about some problem that may be tested for significance by comparison with the values that might be expected to arise by chance. Two main categories of statistical methods have been developed: classical or parametric tests, and the more recent non-parametric or distribution-free tests. Parametric statistical methods may be applied only to data on an interval scale, and typically they make assumptions about the background population from which the sample is taken, most often that it is normally distributed. Where data are in nominal or ordinal form, or where assumptions about the distribution of data on which a parametric test is based cannot be justified, then non-parametric (distribution-free) methods can be used. In general, parametric tests are more rigorous than non-parametric tests. Formerly, and more colloquially, statistical methods embraced any form of data gathering and analysis. Compare numerical method.

statistical method In modern usage, a method for analysing data based on probability theory. A statistical method permits the calculation of a value based on observations about some problem that may be tested for significance by comparison with the values that might be expected to arise by chance. Two main categories of statistical method have been developed: classical or parametric tests, and the more recent non-parametric or distribution-free tests. Parametric statistical methods may be applied only to data on an interval scale, and typically they make assumptions about the background population from which the sample is taken, most often that it is normally distributed. Where data are in nominal or ordinal form, or where assumptions about the distribution of data on which a parametric test is based cannot be justified, then non-parametric (distribution-free) methods can be used. In general, parametric tests are more rigorous than non-parametric tests. Formerly, and more colloquially, statistical methods embraced any form of data gathering and analysis. Compare NUMERICAL METHOD.