A simple guide to Empirical Probability

Whether you’re interested in studying statistics, mathematics in general or plan to undertake academic research in the near future, it’s well worth ensuring that you fully understand how and when to use empirical probability.

A simple guide to empirical probability:

Firstly, what is empirical probability?

If you’re looking for a simple, easy to understand definition you’re in luck. The term empirical probability is used in statistics as well as in scientific and academic research and refers to a branch of probability which is designed to assist individuals in being able to predict the likelihood of test results, based on data collected from previous test results on the same subject matter.

What are some of the key differences between empirical probability and theoretical probability?

If you’re unsure of some of the differences between the two common types of probabilities, you’ve come to the right place, in order to find the answers that you’re looking for. Theoretical probability compares the number of positive outcomes to the number of possible outcomes in a test. Whereas as mentioned above the study of empirical probability deals with using past data to predict the probability of favorable test results.

So as you can see, the two types of probabilities both seek to discover the likelihood of positive scenarios occurring but each type of probably takes a different approach to seeking an answer. If in doubt it’s always a wise idea to use multiple different probability calculations to see whether there is any correlation between the answers which you’ll end up with.

How to calculate empirical probability accurately:

Thankfully calculating empirical probability is simple and straightforward and involves following a straight forward empirical probability formula.

Firstly add up all the instances in which the specific events which you’re focused on have occurred and write down your answer. Next write down the number of the trials or observations which took place. Lastly, simply divide your first number by your second number. In order to find your desired answer.

Once you’ve used this simple formula once, you should be able to remember it easy, in order to use it again in the future. Especially as this particular equation only involves finding out two pieces of information and then diving one piece of information by the second piece of information.

Are there any further tips on accurately predicting empirical probability?

Yes, keep in mind that the answer which you should get should always be between zero and one. If you discover an answer of 0, this means that the event in question never occurred. While if you get an answer of 1, it’s an indication that the event in question always occurred.

Are there any other types of probability which you can use instead of empirical probability and theoretical probability?

Yes, another type of probability which is often used in the study of statistics is experimental probability.

So if you’re looking to discover the probability of a specific outcome or event, it’s well worth using the formula for empirical probability, in order to discover your likely outcome.