Clarify stochastic vs. probabilistic vs. random terminology#347
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Clarify stochastic vs. probabilistic vs. random terminology#347
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Co-authored-by: d-morrison <2474437+d-morrison@users.noreply.github.com>
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[WIP] Discuss stochastic, probabilistic, and random concepts
Clarify stochastic vs. probabilistic vs. random terminology
Jan 27, 2026
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Jan 27, 2026
notation.qmd
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| For example, | ||
| we speak of "random variables" and "random events". | ||
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| **Stochastic** comes from the Greek "στόχος" (_stókhos_), |
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Added etymology link to https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=stochastic (commit b1784e6).
…logy link Co-authored-by: d-morrison <2474437+d-morrison@users.noreply.github.com>
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Jan 27, 2026
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Pull request overview
This PR adds a new section to the notation chapter that clarifies the technical distinctions between "stochastic", "probabilistic", and "random" - terms that are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation but have nuanced differences in formal mathematical contexts.
Changes:
- Added a new section explaining the distinction between stochastic, probabilistic, and random terminology
- Moved content to a separate subfile following repository conventions
- Added three authoritative academic references to the bibliography
- Included etymology and links to additional resources
Reviewed changes
Copilot reviewed 4 out of 4 changed files in this pull request and generated 1 comment.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
_sec-stochastic-probabilistic-random.qmd |
New content file with definitions, examples, comparison table, and additional resources for understanding the three terms |
notation.qmd |
Adds section header and include statement for the new stochastic/probabilistic/random section |
references.bib |
Adds three academic book references (Adler & Taylor 2009, Stirzaker 2005, Kallenberg 2002) cited in the new content |
inst/WORDLIST |
Adds legitimate technical terms (Stochasticity, probabilistically, stókhos) for spell checking |
| | Term | What it describes | Typical use | Example | | ||
| |---------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | ||
| | Random | Single variable or event | Random variable, random outcome | Coin toss, die roll | | ||
| | Stochastic | System or process in time/space | Stochastic process | Stock price evolution, Markov chain| |
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Missing space before the closing pipe character in the table. For consistency with the other rows in the table, there should be a space before the final pipe character.
Suggested change
| | Stochastic | System or process in time/space | Stochastic process | Stock price evolution, Markov chain| | |
| | Stochastic | System or process in time/space | Stochastic process | Stock price evolution, Markov chain | |
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_sec-stochastic-probabilistic-random.qmdSummary
Successfully addressed all PR review feedback:
Moved content to subfile: Created
_sec-stochastic-probabilistic-random.qmdwith all the detailed content, keeping only the level-2 header and include statement innotation.qmdAdded etymology link: Added link to https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=stochastic in the "Stochastic" definition
All changes have been validated through linting and spell checking.
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