ABSTRACT
Scientists conduct experiments to test hypotheses, and to verify hypothe ses to arrive at new findings or to acquire knowledge. As a result they col lect data from their experiments, analyze appropriately, and draw infer ences. In order to arrive at meaningful inferences, one must have some knowledge of probability. Simple definitions of the topics dealt with in this book are explained in this chapter. In statistical language, an experiment is defined as performance of some act or process, which can produce observa tions on a variable.
