Published in Q. Jl R. astr. Soc. (1979), 20, 138-152


PRACTICAL STATISTICS FOR ASTRONOMERS: I. DEFINITIONS, THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION, DETECTION OF SIGNAL

J. V. Wall

Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 oHE


SUMMARY. This is the first of a short series of articles presenting some statistics which may be of use to astronomers. It contains definitions, a summary of the best-loved probability functions, a discussion of the Normal Distribution, and some consideration of signal detection with particular reference to this distribution.


Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

DEFINITIONS

THE NORMAL (GAUSSIAN) DISTRIBUTION

DETECTION OF SIGNAL

REFERENCES

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