Reference articles on history, science, culture and more
Encyclopedia

Applied probability

Application of probability theory

Applied probability is the application of probability theory to statistical problems and other scientific and engineering domains.

01Scope

Much research involving probability is done under the auspices of applied probability. However, while such research is motivated (to some degree) by applied problems, it is usually the mathematical aspects of the problems that are of most interest to researchers (as is typical of applied mathematics in general).

Applied probabilists are particularly concerned with the application of stochastic processes, and probability more generally, to the natural, applied and social sciences, including biology, physics (including astronomy), chemistry, medicine, computer science and information technology, and economics.

Another area of interest is in engineering: particularly in areas of uncertainty, risk management, probabilistic design, and Quality assurance.

02History

Having initially been defined at a symposium of the American Mathematical Society in the later 1950s, the term "applied probability" was popularized by Maurice Bartlett through the name of a Methuen monograph series he edited, Applied Probability and Statistics. The area did not have an established outlet until 1964, when the Journal of Applied Probability came into existence through the efforts of Joe Gani.

Watch videos about Applied probabilityExplainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article Applied probability, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

Fathomly is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wikimedia Foundation. Spotted a problem? Tell us.