A practical overview on probability distributions.
Aim of this paper is a general definition of probability, of its main mathematical features and the features it presents under particular circumstances. The behavior of probability is linked to the features of the phenomenon we would predict. This link can be defined probability distribution. Given the characteristics of phenomena (that we can also define variables), there are defined probability distribution. For categorical (or discrete) variables, the probability can be described by a binomial or Poisson distribution in the majority of cases. For continuous variables, the probability can be described by the most important distribution in statistics, the normal distribution. Distributions of probability are briefly described together with some examples for their possible application.
1 Thoracic Surgery Unit, S. Croce Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy ; 2 Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sacro Cuore Research Hospital, Negrar Verona, Italy.
Andrea
A
Viti
1 Thoracic Surgery Unit, S. Croce Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy ; 2 Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sacro Cuore Research Hospital, Negrar Verona, Italy.
Alberto
A
Terzi
1 Thoracic Surgery Unit, S. Croce Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy ; 2 Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sacro Cuore Research Hospital, Negrar Verona, Italy.
Luca
L
Bertolaccini
Probability distributions; continuous variables; discrete variables