Describe the key difference between the binomial distribution and the hypergeometric distribution.

Question

a. the binomial distribution involves independent trials; the hypergeometric distribution
involves dependent trials
b. the binomial distribution involves dependent trials; the hypergeometric distribution
involves independent trials
c. the binomial distribution involves counting successes in a specific number of trials; the
hypergeometric distribution involves waiting time until success
d. the hypergeometric distribution involves counting successes in a specific number of
trials; the binomial distribution involves waiting time until success

Answer 1

Answer a. Independence means that the probability of an event (for example, head or tail in a coin flip) does not affect subsequent coin flips and is not affected by previous coin flips. The number of trials is unlimited.

Dependence means that the probability of an event affects the probability of a subsequent event. For example, drawing a particular suit from a pack of cards without replacing it into the pack changes the probability of drawing the next card, because there will be one fewer card and one less suit remaining.