Which probability distribution is appropriate when the events of interest occur randomly, independently of one another, and rarely?
A) binomial distribution
B) Poisson distribution
C) hypergeometric distribution
D) any discrete probability distribution

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Poisson distribution is appropriate when events occur randomly and independently, but also when they occur rarely (i.e. the probability of an event occurring in any given interval is small). The binomial distribution assumes a fixed number of trials and a constant probability of success in each trial, which may not be appropriate when events occur rarely. The hypergeometric distribution assumes a finite population size and sampling without replacement, which may not be appropriate when events occur independently and rarely. Finally, the answer "any discrete probability distribution" is too broad and not specific enough to be a correct response.

Which Probability Distribution Is Appropriate When the Events of Interest