Question

Given the data set how do you know whether to calculate sigma or s? Choose correct answers

Answer 1

Following are some condition using which you can decide whether to calculate (sigma) or (s)

1) If the given data set contains a large number of entries, then s is calculated. If the data set contains a small number of entries, then sigma is calculated.

2) When given a data set, one would have to determine if it represented the population or if it was a sample taken from the population. If given dataset represents population then we must calculate (sigma) or if dataset represents a sample then we must calculate (s).

3) If it is mentioned in question that calculate population standard deviation then we must calculate sigma or when it is mentioned that calculate the sample standard deviation then we must calculate (s).