Talk:Statistical population

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Is not a statistical population that from which a statistical sample is drawn, and about which statistical inferences are made about statistical parameters?

Yes. The article is not now very well written; maybe I'll work on it at some point. Michael Hardy 18:43, 24 Dec 2003 (UTC)

Yes, I have (also?) had trouble understanding this article. At the time of writing it defines a "Statistical Population" in terms of a mathematical function applied to a "Population". Surely if the definition appears to be defined in terms of itself then this should be expained (i.e. "Population" is defined in terms of "Population"), (i.e. self-referentially), (which I think is/should be generally recognized as a bad principle for encyclopedia articles).

Surely what we are after here is a simple logical explanation of what the term "Statistical Population" means to ordinary people with some special interest, with minimal reference to existing specialized conventions.

I think an encyclopedia deserves to have the real meaning explained, not a (possibly shallow) reiteration of existing specialized and formalized definitions put into words.

I think the aim here is conceptual illustration, not rewordings of conventional formal definitions, exhibited without the original needs, understanding and explanation.

I also think Wikipedia could outline some policy regarding the preferable avoidance of re-worded versions of specialized conventional formal definitions, instead recommending tutorial explanation of abstract concepts in terms of more familiar down-to-earth concepts. Otherwise people need to do the three year university course to understand the article. (and possible the doctorate!)