By
Julie Rahm
In
statistics, the number of “degrees of
freedom” is the number of values in the final calculation of a statistic
that are free to vary. The number of independent ways by which a dynamic system
can move without violating any constraint imposed on it, is called “degree of
freedom”. In other words, the degree of freedom can be defined as the minimum
number of independent coordinates which can specify the position of the system
completely. Or, stated another way.
Estimates
of statistical parameters can be based upon different amounts of information or
data. The number of independent pieces of information that go into the estimate
of a parameter is called the “degrees of freedom”. Restated, the degrees of
freedom of an estimate of a parameter is equal to the number of independent
scores that go into the estimate minus the number of parameters used as
intermediate steps in the estimation of the parameter itself. (I know. A visual
would be helpful!) Degrees of freedom are required to find a confidence
interval or test a hypothesis about the average using a t-distribution for a
given sample size. Of course we would use a t-distribution if the population is
normally distributed, the standard deviation of the population is unknown and
the sample size is less than thirty. Got that? Let me use an example.
Three
children have three different cards, a one, five and ten. The first two
children draw one card each. The last child to draw has no choice and will get
the card that remains. In this example, there are two degrees of freedom.
Another good example is the average of ten numbers. If the average of ten
numbers is a specified value, one can pick the first nine numbers at random.
The first nine can be any value. But, the last number can only be one value in
order to bring the given average back to the specified value. In this example,
there are nine degrees of freedom. So, I tell you about the degrees of freedom
in order to tell you this metaphor.
We all
make many choices every day of our lives. Some choices are mundane. But, other
choices are hugely significant. For example, your choice in clothing today is
probably not very significant in the long term. But, your choice in a spouse is
significant. Choosing not to attend college is another significant choice. With
these significant strategic type choices, you are using up your degrees of
freedom. A succession of poor choices will limit your potential. Poor choices
manifest low degrees of freedom. Do not cast your die prematurely. Be
thoughtful with your choices. Sadly, I coach many clients who have chosen
poorly. The list is extensive. But, most involve a series of choices that
culminate in a predicament. So, my message this week is choose wisely to
preserve the freedom of choice in your life.
For daily tips, visit me online at www.FB.com/ReliefWithJulie.
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