Statistical Glossary
Comprehensive reference of statistical terms, concepts, and methodologies used in official statistics. Search and browse definitions based on international standards and South Sudan's statistical framework.
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Try searching for: "mean", "standard deviation", "confidence interval", "sampling"
Glossary Categories
Browse statistical terms organized by categories for easier navigation.
Statistical Methods
Descriptive and inferential statistics, probability, and analytical techniques
Browse Terms →Data Collection
Sampling methods, survey design, questionnaires, and data gathering techniques
Browse Terms →Data Management
Data processing, validation, storage, and quality assurance procedures
Browse Terms →Economic Statistics
GDP, inflation, trade, national accounts, and economic indicators
Browse Terms →Environmental Stats
Climate, agriculture, natural resources, and environmental indicators
Browse Terms →Quality Standards
Accuracy, reliability, timeliness, and international statistical standards
Browse Terms →A
Accuracy
The degree to which data or estimates correctly describe the phenomena they were designed to measure. Accuracy is affected by both sampling and non-sampling errors.
Related Terms: Precision, Bias, Measurement Error
Source: UN Statistical Division, Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
Aggregate Data
Data that have been combined or summarized from individual records to form totals or other statistical measures for groups, categories, or geographic areas.
Related Terms: Microdata, Tabulation, Summary Statistics
Source: NBS Data Dissemination Policy
Arithmetic Mean
A measure of central tendency calculated by summing all values in a dataset and dividing by the number of values. Commonly referred to as the average.
Formula: Mean = Σx / n
Related Terms: Median, Mode, Central Tendency
Source: International Statistical Institute, Dictionary of Statistical Terms
Average
A general term for measures of central tendency. Most commonly refers to the arithmetic mean, but can also refer to median or mode depending on context.
Related Terms: Mean, Median, Mode, Central Tendency
Note: Use specific terms (mean, median, mode) for precision in statistical reporting
B
Bias
Systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others. Bias can occur in sample selection, data collection, or analysis.
Types: Selection Bias, Measurement Bias, Response Bias
Related Terms: Accuracy, Precision, Error
Binary Variable
A categorical variable that can take only two possible values, such as yes/no, true/false, or 0/1. Also known as dichotomous variable.
Examples: Gender (male/female), Employment status (employed/unemployed)
Related Terms: Categorical Variable, Dummy Variable
Frequently Used Terms
Common statistical terms frequently referenced by data users and researchers.
Confidence Interval
A range of values that is likely to contain the population parameter with a specified level of confidence.
Statistical MethodsGross Domestic Product (GDP)
The total monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.
Economic StatisticsStandard Deviation
A measure of the amount of variation or dispersion of a set of values from their mean.
Statistical MethodsConsumer Price Index (CPI)
A measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services.
Economic StatisticsSampling Frame
A list of all the units in the population from which a sample is selected.
Data CollectionCorrelation
A statistical measure that expresses the extent to which two variables are linearly related.
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