ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the fundamental probability and statistical concepts used for radiation counting are introduced, along with associated probability models and error analyses. It deals with one component of the total uncertainty—the random or statistical uncertainty, which can be estimated through various probability distribution functions, most commonly the Gaussian distribution. Data measured with an ionizing-radiation detection system contain both random uncertainties and systematic errors. Radiation measurements may consist of a single measurement or a series of measurements of a radioactive source. Quite often a series of radiation counts is conducted rather than a single measurement. Statistical error in radiation counting is determined by the total number of counts observed during a measurement or series of measurements. Presentation of counting data should also give the estimated one-sigma errors. Theoretical plots, empirical plots and curve fitting routines are depicted by a continuous smooth curve without data points.
