Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

In statistics, what is the term for the likelihood of accurately predicting an event?

1. Classical hypothesis testing

2. Probability theory

3. Measures of central tendency

4. Kurtosis

The correct answer is: Probability theory

The term that refers to the likelihood of accurately predicting an event is probability theory. Probability theory is the branch of mathematics that deals with the analysis of random phenomena and is used to predict the likelihood of various outcomes. It provides the foundational framework for assessing how likely an event is to occur, enabling statisticians and data analysts to make informed predictions based on sample data or theoretical models. In contrast, classical hypothesis testing involves making inferences about populations based on sample data, but it does not directly address the likelihood of predicting a specific event. Measures of central tendency focus on summarizing data through averages, medians, and modes, providing insight into general trends rather than specific predictive probabilities. Kurtosis measures the "tailedness" of a probability distribution, describing the shape characteristics of probability distributions rather than predicting events in themselves. Thus, probability theory is the most suitable term when discussing the likelihood of accurately predicting an event.