Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Statistics53m
- 2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs2h 1m
- 3. Describing Data Numerically1h 48m
- 4. Probability2h 26m
- 5. Binomial Distribution & Discrete Random Variables2h 55m
- 6. Normal Distribution & Continuous Random Variables1h 48m
- 7. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Mean1h 17m
- 8. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Proportion1h 20m
- 9. Hypothesis Testing for One Sample1h 8m
- 10. Hypothesis Testing for Two Samples2h 8m
- 11. Correlation48m
- 12. Regression1h 4m
- 13. Chi-Square Tests & Goodness of Fit1h 30m
- 14. ANOVA1h 4m
4. Probability
Introduction to Contingency Tables
Struggling with Statistics for Business?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
The table below shows the results from a drug trial for a new ADHD medication. Use the table to find the probability that a person's symptoms improved and identify the type of probability found.

A
0.8; Marginal Probability
B
0.8; Joint Probability
C
0.4; Joint Probability
D
0.4; Marginal Probability

1
Step 1: Understand the table. The table provides data on the results of a drug trial, categorizing participants into two groups: Placebo and Non-Placebo. Each group is further divided into 'Improved' and 'Not Improved' symptoms, with totals provided for each category.
Step 2: Define Marginal Probability. Marginal probability refers to the probability of a single event occurring, irrespective of other events. In this case, it would be the probability of 'Improved' symptoms across all participants.
Step 3: Calculate the Marginal Probability of 'Improved' symptoms. To find this, divide the total number of participants with 'Improved' symptoms (40) by the overall total number of participants (100). Use the formula: P(Improved) = Total Improved / Grand Total.
Step 4: Define Joint Probability. Joint probability refers to the probability of two events occurring simultaneously. For example, the probability that a participant is in the Non-Placebo group and their symptoms improved.
Step 5: Calculate the Joint Probability for 'Improved' symptoms in the Non-Placebo group. To find this, divide the number of participants in the Non-Placebo group with 'Improved' symptoms (30) by the overall total number of participants (100). Use the formula: P(Improved and Non-Placebo) = Non-Placebo Improved / Grand Total.
Watch next
Master Introduction to Contingency Tables with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learning