Overview for 1-Sample Poisson Rate

Use 1-Sample Poisson Rate to estimate a Poisson population rate and to compare it to a target value or a reference value. Using this analysis, you can do the following when your data are counts per unit:
  • Determine whether the rate of occurrence differs from the hypothesized rate that you specify.
  • Calculate a range of values that is likely to include the population rate of occurrence.

For example, an analyst uses a 1-sample Poisson rate test to determine whether a manufacturer produces defective units at a rate that is less than 20 defective units per quarter. If the rate differs from the target, the analyst uses the confidence interval to determine how large the difference is likely to be and whether the difference has practical significance.

Where to find this analysis

To perform a 1-sample Poisson rate test, choose Stat > Basic Statistics > 1-Sample Poisson Rate.

When to use an alternate analysis

If your data classify each observation into one of two categories, such as pass/fail, use 1 Proportion. For more information on data types, go to Data types you can analyze with a hypothesis test.