7th Grade · Statistics & Probability

Sample Statistic

7.SP.A.2

Definition

A numerical value calculated from sample data, used to estimate the corresponding population parameter. Common statistics: x̄ (sample mean) and p̂ (sample proportion). Changes from sample to sample.

Examples

  • Sample of 30 students: sample mean x̄ = 1,920 ÷ 30 = 64 inches.
  • Use x̄ to estimate μ, and p̂ to estimate p.

Key rule

A sample statistic is what we calculate; a population parameter is what we estimate.

Memory hook

Calculated from the sample, used to guess the population.