Skip to content

Sufficient Statistic (Graphical)

Sufficient Statistic:

Suppose X is a random vector with probability distribution (or density) P(X | V), where V is a vector of parameters, and Xo is a realization of X. A statistic T(X) is called a sufficient statistic if the conditional probability (density) Math image does not depend upon V for any possible Xo.

In other words, the observed value T(Xo) of a sufficient statistic T bears all the information (about the vector V of parameters) the data Xo contain.

A trivial example of a sufficient statistic is T(X) = X, but such a statistic is useless. Practically interesting cases of sufficient statistics are those when T has (much) smaller dimension than the vector X itself. Such statistics allow you to reduce all the observed data values to a smaller set of values preserving all the information about the parameter V.

See also Complete statistic

Browse Other Glossary Entries

Test Yourself

Planning on taking an introductory statistics course, but not sure if you need to start at the beginning? Review the course description for each of our introductory statistics courses and estimate which best matches your level, then take the self test for that course. If you get all or almost all the questions correct, move on and take the next test.

Data Analytics

Considering becoming adata scientist, customer analyst or our data science certificate program?

Analytics Quiz

Advanced Statistics Quiz

Statistics Quiz

Statistics

Looking at statistics for graduate programs or to enhance your foundational knowledge?

Statistics 1 Quiz

Regression Quiz

Regression Quiz

Biostatistics

Entering the biostatistics field? Test your skill here.

Biostatistics Quiz

Advanced Statistics Quiz

Statistics 2 Quiz

Stay Informed

Our Blog

Read up on our latest blogs

Certificates

Learn about our certificate programs

Courses

Find the right course for you

Contact Us

We'd love to answer your questions

Our mentors and academic advisors are standing by to help guide you towards the courses or program that makes the most sense for you and your goals.

300 W Main St STE 301, Charlottesville, VA 22903

(434) 973-7673

ourcourses@statistics.com

By submitting your information, you agree to receive email communications from Statistics.com. All information submitted is subject to our privacy policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.