Types of Parameter Estimates

Briefly

Make an estimate object, then choose what type you want in its popup menu.

You create an empty estimate either by dragging one off the tool shelf or by choosing Estimate Parameters from the Analyze menu. Choose the kind of estimate from the popup menu. Drag attributes into the slots at the top of the estimate.

If you drag no attributes, you can still use most of the estimates by editing their summary statistics. (They're calculated for you if you use attributes from a collection.)

All parameter estimates include a confidence interval.

Attribute types

Test types

One continuous attribute
(e.g., just height in inches)

Estimate Mean - Confidence interval is from the one-sample t procedure.

Two continuous attributes
(e.g., age and income)

Linear Regression  - Estimates the slope and intercept of the least-squares linear regression line, and gives confidence intervals for predictions based on that line.

Difference of Means - Estimates the difference of means for each of the two attributes and gives the confidence interval for this difference.

One categorical attribute
(e.g., just sex: M or F)

Estimate Proportion  - Confidence interval is exact binomial up to a point, then a normal approximation.

One categorical attribute with two categories (e.g. sex) and one numeric attribute (e.g. height).

Difference of Means - Estimates the difference of means for the numeric attribute between the two groups given by the categorical attribute and gives the confidence interval for this difference.

Two categorical attributes
(e.g. PovertyY1 (Y or N) and PovertyY2 (Y or N)

Difference of Proportions - Estimates confidence interval for the difference of proportions having a specified category for each attribute. Uses a normal approximation.

How to make a parameter estimate