(Mathematics|Statistics) - Statistical Parameter

About

A parameter is a numerical characteristic, feature, or measurable factor that help in defining a particular model.

Unlike variables, parameters are not listed among the arguments that the function takes.

When parameters are present in a function, the function definition defines a whole family of functions, one for every valid set of values of the parameters.

Usually a model is designed to explain the relationships that exist among quantities which can be measured, these are the variables of the model. To formulate these relationships, “constants” are introduced which stand for inherent properties of nature. These are the parameters.

Articles Related

List of Parameter

• Regression Coefficients
• Degree (Polynomial)

Example

For instance, one could define a general quadratic function by defining:
<math> f(x)=ax^{n}+bx+c </math>
where:

• the variable x designates the function's argument,
• a, b, c and n are parameters

Parameter

Parametrized objects (families of) depends on a set of parameters:

Examples:

• functions,
• probability distributions,
• curves,
• shapes,
• etc..

Distributions

Among parameterized families of distributions are:

• the normal distributions,
• the Poisson distributions,
• the binomial distributions,
• and the exponential distributions.

Documentation / Reference

• wiki/Parameter
• wiki/Statistical parameter
• wiki/Parametric_family